
I 



ON THE 

CULTIVATION OF FLAX; 

THE 

FATTENING OF CATTLE WITH NATIVE PRODUCE ; 
BOX-FEEDING; AND SUMMER-GRAZING. 

By JOHN WARNES, Esq. 
U 

DEDICATED TO THE LANDLOEDS AND TENANTS OF GEEAT 
BEITAIN AND lEELAND. 



"Oh ! is there not some patriot in whose power 
That best, that god-like luxury is plac'd 
Of blessing thousands, thousands yet unborn, 
Through late posterity ? Some large of soul 
To che6r dejected industry ? To give 
A double harvest to the pining swain, 
And teach the lab 'ring hand the sweets of toil ? 
Yes, there are such." Thomson, 



PROFITS OF THE WORK TO BE APPLIED TO THE PROMOTION OF THE FLAX CAUSE, 



. SECOND EDITION. 



JAMES 



LONDON: 
RIDGWAY, PICCADILLY. 
1847. 



>at. Office Lib. 
April 1914. 



London : Printed by William Clowes and Sons, Stamford Street, 



PREFACE. 



So important was a preface considered in former times^ 
that the talents of Doctor Johnson were not unfrequently 
called into requisition to supply authors with such an 
appendage to their works. Now, little regard is paid to 
this, perhaps, most difficult department of literary labour. 

I hope, however, that my introductory remarks will 
obtain an attentive perusal, at least, from every true 
lover of his country: for my theme, though simple, is- 
vast: comprehending nothing less than complete deli- 
verance from that accumulated mass of pauperism which 
preys upon the vitals of the nation. A mass that, if not 
supplied with other food than the bread of idleness, must 
— at no very distant date, like pent-up steam — explode. 
A theme worthy of a Johnson's pen ! yet committed, 
by an unerring Providence, to an obscure individual, 
without any claim to literary merit or to public notice, 
in order that the " excellency of the power might be of 
God, and not of man." Of God, because the highest 
authorities of the state, in Parliament assembled, avowed 
their inability to provide a remedy for the national 
distress. Nor do the numerous plans attempted by pri- 
vate enterprise, or proposed at public meetings, offer any 
prospect of permanent relief; the cultivation of flax alone 
excepted. 

Years of reflection and diligent research into the re- 
quirements, habits, genius, and physical powers of the 

( 



vi 



PREFACE. 



labouring population, justify this conclusion, which is 
strengthened by the results of successful experiments, 
by private communications from almost every county in 
England, and confirmed by the experience of those gen- 
tlemen whose statements are recorded in the following 
pages. 

It will be seen that my progress had to encounter the 
usual routine of oppositions attendant upon every good 
cause ; and that a faithful history of my discovery of 
the intrinsic value to the British nation of the flax-crop, 
rendered the relation of those oppositions unavoidable. 

The fall of the Norfolk Flax Society — the subsequent 
attempts to frustrate my labours — with the ebullitions 
of ignorance and animosity, of envy and contempt, are 
also subjects in themselves unworthy of notice. But I 
record them as a salutary warning to those who suppose 
that rank and numbers can annihilate the advocacy of a 
cause sustained by the fundamental principles of Chris- 
tianity ; and as an encouragement to all who may here- 
after tread the path of the philanthropist and of the 
patriot. 

The extensive circulation of my pamphlets — the de- 
mand for new editions — the interest excited as each num- 
ber of my Public Letters appeared — and the acknowledg- 
ments from every part of the kingdom of benefits derived 
— evince the rectitude of my advocacy. 

Doubly gratifying, therefore, was the task that de- 
volved upon me, not of composing a new book, but of 
compiling one that had already appeared in a variety of 
detached forms, and had long been subjected to the ordeal 
of public criticism. Not a sentence has been refuted, nor 
a case of failure produced, where my directions have been 



PREFACE. 



vii 



strictly adhered to. Circumstances may have interfered 
to prevent the full realization of promised benefits. But 
the great majority of successful instances indisputably 
prove that all the others might have been equally so if 
conducted upon the same principles. 

Now that my publications appear in a collected form, 
many errors for the future may be avoided. But how- 
ever simple every process, and clear every description, 
it is scarcely possible, particularly in the management 
of flax, for amateurs to succeed without the aid of prac- 
tical instruction. 

I have endeavoured to show that county associations, 
with branches attached, were eminently calculated to 
disseminate information. I therefore insert the adver- 
tisements, circulars, and reports of those already formed, 
for the guidance of parties who may hereafter perceive 
the desirableness of establishing similar societies. Their 
insertion may be thought by some irrelevant and con- 
fusing ; as also the controversial portions of my letters, 
political allusions, &c. ; but had I omitted them, the 
nationality of my undertaking and the independence of 
my exertions would have been destroyed. 

My volume is offered as a book of reference, rather 
than as a connected history. Information will be found 
indiscriminately distributed. But the Index will remedy 
any inconvenience on this account, by at once referring 
the inquirer to the subject of his immediate research. 

Although the flax-plant was indigenous to this coun- 
try, and its properties, both as respects fibre and seed, 
were known from time immemorial, yet its real value 
remained undiscovered till the invention of the com- 
pound. Every attempt to fatten cattle upon linseed 



VIU 



PREFACE. 



with economy had failed. Oil-cake, the refuse of lin- 
seed, stood first in the farmer's estimation. He main- 
tained that it was superior to the pure seed itself; nor 
could his deep rooted prejudice be removed till a chain 
of successful experiments rendered conviction irresistible. 

My attempt to grow the seed of which this favourite 
oil-cake was composed, arose from the desire of substi- 
tuting native for foreign produce to fatten cattle, and 
originated the present movement towards the growth of 
flax. An insignificant commencement ! but destined, like 
many similar dispensations of Providence, to produce 
benefits to which no limits can be assigned. 

Box-feeding and summer-grazing next engaged my 
attention ; which, in combination with flax-culture, form 
the foundation of the following pages; and I am con- 
fident that the advantages therein portrayed will be fully 
realized by all who rightly apply them. It would be 
folly to dispute their solidity without the test of practical 
inquiry. Nor do I intend again to enter the lists of con- 
troversy with parties guided only by empty theories and 
idle prejudices. 

The opposition of the Anti-Corn-Law League forms 
a remarkable feature in the history of the present move- 
ment to extend the cultivation of flax. I refer to it with 
pain : for though no inconsiderable portion of the free- 
trade party were favourable to the culture, and many 
* flax-spinners promoted it by subscriptions and premiums, 
yet, in their collective capacity, they greatly retarded 
the cause. Their sweeping condemnation of landowners, 
for the supposed attempt "to substitute flax for wheat, 
and to lessen the means of subsistence," was inconsistent 
and unjust. Nor can ignorance of the Flax Society's 



PREFACE. 



real designs be pleaded as an excuse : for the League 
possessed reports and publications of its proceedings, in 
which the desire to increase production and to ameliorate 
the condition of the poor was clearly defined. 

Under the improved management of flax, the price 
must ultimately approximate to that of cotton, and enable 
linen to compete with calico ; this would prove more 
fatal to the manufacturers of the latter than agricultural 
protection. Were the climate of England genial to cot- 
ton, the spinner, unquestionably, would be anxious to 
promote the home growth, regardless of those injurious 
effects upon wheat, deteriorations of soil, and prohibitions 
in leases, which he now advances against the inestimable 
flax-plant; but, if any grounds ever existed for such 
objections, they have been rendered obsolete by modern 
discoveries and by scientific improvements in agriculture. 

Another opposition arose from the scheme of substi- 
tuting for flax the Camelina sativa, a plant pompously 
called " the Gold of Pleasure." The stalks were repre- 
sented as containing superior flax, and the seed to be 
of more value than linseed. Through circulars, adver- 
tisements, and public letters, glowing descriptions were 
promulgated: the project attracted much attention, and 
obtained some converts. 1 sowed a little of the seed 
myself by way of experiment : the result induced me to 
warn the public against the delusion ; on which account 
an action was commenced against me, but quickly with- 
drawn for obvious reasons : afterwards Mr. Taylor secured 
a patent for extracting lamp-oil from the seed, for which 
it appears to be well adapted. 

About the same time Mr. Hutcheson obtained a pa- 
tent for compressing into cake linseed-oil with the meal 



X 



PKEFACE. 



of barley, or that of beans, peas, &c. ; as did also Mr. 
Hill for the meal of linseed baked with similar ingre- 
dients. Both attempts, being complicated and expensive, 
failed to reward the projectors, or to confer any benefit 
upon the commmiity : for baking, pressing, and forming 
into shapes are superfluous operations, deteriorating, 
instead of contributing to the fattening properties of the 
materials. 

I had myself a large oven and steam-apparatus erected 
for cooking roots, &c. ; but discontinued their use in 
favour of boiling and scalding, these being more simple 
and better adapted to every grade of farmer. As yet I 
have seen nothing so effective and economical as an iron 
copper. 

Since this Preface was commenced twelve months have 
elapsed, and additional opportunities been afforded me of 
ascertaining the results of experiments, the omission of 
which would have rendered my work incomplete. I 
resume my pen, therefore, not to enforce untried theories, 
but to record authenticated facts. 

If I had ever any solid reasons for promulgating my 
plans, those reasons are rendered doubly urgent at the 
present crisis. The repeal of the corn -laws is insisted 
upon by the League, with all the art that human in- 
genuity can devise, and with all the power that money 
can command; while agriculturists, formed into pro- 
tective associations, are equally determined to uphold 
the existing duties. Whatever may be the result of the 
conflict, it is evident that farmers who have adopted the 
cultivation of flax, the fattening of cattle upon native 
produce, &c., &c., must be better prepared to sustain the 
shock of free-trade than those who resort to foreign 



PREFACE. 



xi 



manure for land, and food for cattle. At all events, it 
is certain that a high price for the common necessaries 
of life cannot be sustained ; that profits upon land must 
be derived from increased production ; and that farmers 
ought no longer to hold out against the adoption of new 
systems of improvement. 

The soil, and the poor, are, through the dispensation 
of Providence, talents committed to our charge, for the 
abuse or neglect of which we are accountable. As 
stewards over these great trusts, it is incumbent upon 
us to render them subservient to the public weal. This, 
an enlightened philanthropy will acknowledge, science 
point out the way, and an increasing population enforce. 
The requirements of the people include raiment as well 
as food ; and it is a question whether the cost for labour 
in providing the former is not greater than that for the 
latter. Our soil and climate are adapted to the culti. 
vation of other crops besides wheat, barley, and turnips. 
Could we grow cotton, the nation would be richer by all 
the sums now sent abroad for that article : but as such 
an undertaking would be fr'uitless, why should not our 
attention be turned to the culture of flax? — a plant for 
which, including the seed, oil, and cake, 400,000/. per 
week are expended with foreigners ! 

The object of my book is to show that all this money 
might be circulated at home to the improvement of 
the soil and to the advancement of the poor. The 
League points to our half-cultivated fields, and tells 
us that we are cumberers, not tillers, of the ground. 
Reflective and patriotic minds admit the justice of the 
accusation, and feel that the stigma ought to be removed. 
But how to accomplish this desideratum is a problem 



Xll 



PREFACE. 



they have failed to solve. Nor can it be solved, except 
through the national adoption of the flax crop ; because 
the redundant population would obtain the employment, 
agriculture the support, and trade the encouragement 
which each so greatly needs ; because the formation of 
linseed into food to fatten cattle, and the sale of flax, 
will be fresh sources of wealth to the British farmer; 
and because an impetus would be given to home trade 
in general by the increased price of wages, and by the - 
consequent increased consumption of all the common 
necessaries of life. 

In truth, it is impossible to form an estimate of the 
advantages the community would derive ; for, inde- 
pendent of all pecuniary consideration, moral, civil, and 
religious order are involved in the magnitude of the 
undertaking. 

The redundant juvenile population, in particular, has 
long been the bane of society: an irremediable evil, 
except through permanent employment; an evil, the 
removal of which has for years excited general solici- 
tude. But, except the cultivation of flax, nothing 
effective has yet been devised. Effective, because, if the 
poor-rates at Trimingham have been reduced to one rate 
in three-quarters of a year, at threepence in the pound, 
through the employment afforded by flax-culture, it is but 
reasonable to assume that the same effect would be pro- 
'duced in every parish throughout the kingdom.* 

Less than one acre of land to a hundred, now in culti- 
vation, would produce more flax than the redundant 
population could prepare for market ; be the means of 
circulating annually, chiefly in wages, three millions 

* See p. 61. 



PREFACE. xiii 

of money in the rural districts, and of retaining between 
two and three millions besides, now sent abroad for lin- 
seed, oil, and cake. The accuracy of these depositions 
may be ascertained by a reference to Government Returns, 
and to the Reports of the Irish Flax Improvement 
Society. It will then be found that the sums specified 
may be doubled. 

That a cause of such vital importance should have 
rested so many years upon individual effort and expense 
must strike the reader with astonishment. But, regard- 
less of every consideration except that of national benefit, 
I prosecuted my labours, and am enabled to look back 
upon my losses, mortifications, and disappointments with 
composure. 

During the past year my farm has been a source of 
continued attraction to visitors, the number of my cor- 
respondents been greatly increased, and the compomid 
system of fattening cattle, added to the erection of boxes, 
rapidly extended. 

Thus far the soundness of my theory and practice is 
confirmed. Additional proofs also have been afforded 
that, in every part of the kingdom where corn can be 
produced, the soil is favourable to the growth of flax; 
and that the crop would be extensively cultivated, pro- 
vided Societies were established for the preparation of 
the fibre, or factors found to purchase the stalks accord- 
ing to the Continental system. A Flax Company has 
already been formed at Ipswich ; the first report of 
which is favourable to the undertaking, and the culture 
of the plant ably advocated by the local papers of that 
town and neighbourhood. 



PREFACi;. 



Upon my own premises, mider the agency of Belgians 
from the celebrated Courtrai district, several young 
people have become expert hand-scutchers, and are ready 
to go out as instructors; others are also being taught 
to dress flax by machinery ; and, in fact, a complete 
establishment is formed, such as ought to have been 
under the management of local societies: but the cold 
neglect of some, and the inconsiderate opposition of others, 
compelled me to pursue an independent course. It is 
therefore with inexpressible feelings of gratitude towards 
an overruling Providence, that I find myself in a position 
to employ a number of youths, from thirteen years old 
and upwards, at wages varying from 5^. to 9s. per week, 
whose previous subsistence was extremely precarious, and 
whose reformed habits evince the salutary effect of constant 
work at adequate wages. 

It is impossible to portray the moral benefits con- 
ferred wherever flax- culture is introduced; particularly 
upon that part of the population which, being deficient 
in physical power, can obtain no permanent employ- 
ment, and is a pest to society. Experience has proved 
that, without occupation, it is in vain to expect the 
reformation of the idle : upon this plea alone the Flax 
Cause has a just claim upon the support of the British 
public ; and, when the plans described in this work are 
taken into the account, it is evident that all who are 
interested in, or dependent upon, agriculture, must per- 
ceive the necessity of adopting them. 

Thus, by a combination of views and interests, the 
cultivation of flax, the fattening of cattle with native 
produce, box- feeding and summer-grazing, will be found 



PREFA.CE. 



XV 



admirably adapted to sustain the weight of an increas- 
ing population, and to counteract the baneful effects of a 
free trade in corn. 

In the perusal of my book the critical reader will 
doubtless discover many defects ; but the originality and 
utility of the work will hide a multitude of faults. 

Some of my directions may be considered unneces- 
sarily minute ; but it should be remembered that I am 
answerable for the success of measures I so strongly 
recommend: nor do I arrogate to myself the merit of 
discoveries that admit of no improvement ; on the con- 
trary, my plans are open to investigation ; and should 
they prove only forerunners of better things, I shall re- 
joice in having laid a foundation upon which others may 
build a more perfect system. 



( xvii ) 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 



Preface ..,•.< 
Introductory Remarks to the Second Edition 
Reasons for the Cultivation of Flax 



« 



15 



1 



1 



Agriculture and Home-Commerce the Pillars of National Prospe- 
rity — Distress of the Poor, which can only be remedied by 
Constant ^Employment — Sufferings of the Operatives in the 
Manufacturing Districts — Agricultural Produce imported — The 
Factory System — Condition of the Labourer Abroad and at 
Home — Poor Laws fatal to good Wages and Home-Commerce — 
Evil Effects of insufficient Employment — Flax-Culture would 
provide that Employment — The Flax- Crop in L'eland — Allu- 
sions to Flax m the Holy Scriptures — Known to the ancient 
Egyptians — Tatroduced into Britain by the Romans — Not affected 
by Difference of Soil and Climate — A double Crop — Affords 
Employment to Thirty Classes of Society — Our Obligations to 
the Flax Improvement Society of Ireland. 

Meeting of the North Walsham Farmers' Club . . .26 
Exhibition of Stock, and of Flax grown in Norfolk — Speeches of 
Mr. Wodehouse, Mr. Warnes, Mr. Partridge, Mr. Norfor, Sir 
T. F. Buxton, &c. — The Dinner — Mr. Rous's Explanation of 
the Objects of the newly-formed Society. 

The Norfolk Flax Society ^40 

Its First Meeting in St. Andrew's Hall — Speech of Mr. Rous, 
the President — of the Author — of Sir Edward Stracey, Lord 
Wodehouse, Hon. and Rev. R, Wilson, Mr. Partridge, Mr. 
Wodehouse, the Bishop of Norwich, &c. 

Impediments arise, which mar the Prospects of the Society . 55 
Causes of Difference among the Committee — Mr. Rous's Letter 
to the Author — The Author's Reply — His Letter to the Nor- 
folk Chronicle — Mr. Burn on Home-Colonization — Improve- 
ment in the Condition of Belgium consequent on the Growth 



The National Flax and Agricultural Improvement Association 66 
Prospectus of the Association formed at Ipswich — Basis of its 
Operations — Subscriptions — The Author's Suggestions — Re- 



of Flax. 



h 



XVlll CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

marks of Stanislaus, King of Poland, on the Condition of the 
Polish Peasantry — The Author equally advocates the Cause of 
the Poor and of the Rich. 

Extracts from Ancient and Modern Writers on the Flax-Crop 70 
Flax introduced into Britain by the Romans — Efforts of the 
Legislature to promote its extensive Cultivation — Causes of its 
Failure — Flax a double Crop — Its indirect Advantages are 
greater than its direct — Amount of Flax annually imported. 

Letter of R. Somerville, Esq., on the Flax-Crop . . . 74 
Desirableness of increasing the Quantity grown in Britain — Both 
Flax and Hemp may be advantageously grown on poor Soils — 
The Flax Crop in Holland — The Fibre of the Plant is not 
injured by the Seed being allowed to ripen — Points worthy of 
minute Investigation — The Author's Remarks on this Letter. 

Letter of Samuel Homespun to the ' Gentleman's Magazine' . 81 
Agriculture in China — British Flax — Amount of Labour required 
to work up the Produce of an Acre of Flax — Produce of an 
Acre of inferior Flax — Of a medium Quality — The Linen Ma- 
nufacture may be secured to Britain, 

Dr. J. Robertson on the Agriculture of the County of Perth . 85 
Flax grown in various parts of the County — Sowing Linseed — 
Flax-Steeping — How to save the Seed — Preparation of Lint. 

England's Improvement by Sea and Land .... 88 
Linen made in Holland and Flanders — Employment of various 
Classes in its Manufacture — This branch of Trade should be 
introduced into England— Places that should be selected for this 
purpose — Land in Warwickshire. 

The Golden Flax 92 

How to treat Flax intended for the Manufacture of Cambric 
and Fine Lawn ........ 93 

Preparation of the Soil — Sowing — Subsequent Treatment — When 
and how to pull the Lint — ^The Two-handed Wheel. 

Letter from a Dorsetshire Gentleman to the Secretary of the 

Bath Agricultural Society ...... 94 

Lands neglected that might be made to grow Flax and Hemp — 
Flax grown on marshy Soils — Preparation of Land for the Crop 
— Amount of Hemp and Flax annually imported — Advantages 
attending their Growth. 

Dr. Smyth on the Agriculture of the County of Argyll . . 97 
Our Climate and Soil well suited to the Growth of Flax — The 
Productiveness of Estates depends on their Population — Choice 
of Ground for Flax Culture— Watering Flax — The Seed should 
be saved. 



CONTENTS. 



xix 



Captain Skinner's Speech to the Tenants of the Earl of Erne . 99 
Quantity of Flax grown in Ireland — Specimens exhibited — Models 
of various Machines. 

Mr. Henderson on the Management of Flax .... 101 
Best Soil for Flax — Rotation — Preparation— Sowing — Weeding — 
Ripening — Pulling — Steeping — Spreading — Lifting — Drying — 
Breaking — Scutching — Injury done to Flax by Water oozing 
from the Sides of the Steeping- Pond. 

Letter from Messrs. Marshall & Co. to the Author . .107 
Their Importations of Flax — Opinion that it could be advantage- 
ously grown in Britain— Demand for fine Flax — Offers of 
Assistance. 

Letter from Mr. Edmonds, of Stonehouse, to the Author . 109 

Has long cultivated Flax — Seed — Preparation of Land — Flax will 
fail if sown after Turnips. 

Letter from Messrs. Marshall & Co. to the Author . . 110 
Price of Flax in Belgium— Retting. 

Profits of Growing Flax 112^ 

Produce of Three Statute Acres of Flax in Ireland. 

On Saving of Flax Seed . ib. 
Mr. Wolstenholme's Flax-Crop — Value — Ireland eminently 
adapted for Flax-Culture. 

Description of the Flax Plant . . . . . .114 

Its Characteristics unaltered by Difference of Climate — Fibre — 
Seed — Easy of Growth — Most favourable Soils — Sowing — 
When to pull, and how^ to save the Seed — Water-Retting in 
Holland — In Belgium — The Lys — Drying the Bundles — Mr. 
Hardy on Flax-Dressing and Steeping — The Author's Method 
— No Objection to the Growth of Flax — Produce of various 
Fields of Flax. 

Sir C. M. Burreli's Letter to the Author . . , .124 
His Adoption of the System of Box-Feeding — Elevation and 
Ground Plan of his Boxes — He incloses the Calculations of Mr. 
Daubuz and Colonel Wyndham — His Views on Fattening Cattle 
with Compound are much approved by Agriculturists. 

Suggestions on Fattening Cattle with Native Produce . .129 
Agriculture of the Netherlands — Irish Flax Society^ — Fattening 
Properties of Linseed — Farmers' Clubs — The Author's Bullocks. 

Directions for making Compound . . . . .134 
Compound for Sheep — For Bullocks— Moulds — Foreign Oil-cake 
— Prices of Barley and Cake — Foreign Manures — Lucern — 
Potatoes — Degrees of Fattening. 



XX 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

On the Use of Linseed 142 

Linseed used in Norfolk— Sir C. M. Burrell's Letter to the Sussex 
Herald — Boxes of Mr. Whitmore, the Rev. J. C. Blair Warren, 
and Mr. Partridge — Feeding Sheep on Linseed — Progress of the 
Box-feeding System— Calves— Profit on an Ox. 



SERIES OF LETTERS ON THE CULTIVATION OF FLAX. 

Letter 1 151 

Flax in Belgium — Holland — Ireland — A double Crop — The 
Author's Interview with Messrs. Marshall — Pulling and Stooking 
Flax. 

Letter II 155 

Price of Flax in Belgium, Ireland, and England — The Author's 
Crop — Expenses — Seed ought not to be sold. 



Letter III 157 

State of Great Britain — Box-feeding — Objections answered — 
Demagogues — Cobbett — Waste Lands in Ireland — Boxes and 
Box-feeding. 

Letter IV. 165 

Our Means for Flax Culture — The Turnip Crop — Grass. 

Letter V 170 

The Author's Answer to Mr. Richardson — Meeting of the North 
Walsham Farmers' Club — Experiments of Mr. Postle — Profits 
of Box-feeding. 

Letter VI 176 

Meeting at Ipswich — National Flax Association — Importance of 
Flax Culture — Value per Acre — Machinery — Missionary 
Labours. 

Letter VII. . . 181 

Condition of Norwich^ — Suggestions for its Improvement — Mouse- 
hold Heath — Land reclaimed by Weavers — The Growth of 
Flax will not supersede that of Wheat — Wages. 

Letter VIII 190 

Mr. Windham — The Anti- Corn-Law League—Prize Cattle — The 
Author's Bullocks— Dr. Play fair's Theory — Lord Torrington's 
Prize Ox. 

Letter IX 197 

The Flax Crop— Reply to the Letter of Mr. Rous. 

Letter X 207 

Reply to the Letter of Mr. Gower — Address of Mr. Copeman. 



CONTENTS. XXI 

PAGE 

Letter XI 215 

Further Controversy with Mr. Gower and Mr. Rous — Letter of 
Mr. Edmonds to the Author. " 

Letter XII 219 

Progress of the Flax Cause — The Author answers the Writer of 
the Norfolk Agricultural Report — Both Fibre and Seed must be 
saved — Experiments of Mr. Postle — The Author's Advice to 
Agriculturists. 

Letter XIII. . . . - 224 

Further Controversy with Mr. Gower — Price of Scutching — Mr. 
Rous's Flax Crop — Gold of Pleasure — Progress of the Flax 
Cause — The Belgian Method adopted in Norfolk — Messrs. 
Gibbs on the Gold of Pleasure — Statistics of the Flax Trade. 

Letter XIY 234 

The Author's Reply to the ' Manchester Guardian ' — The Flax 
Cause supported by the Spinners — Condition of the Labourer. 

Letter XY 242 

The Home versus the Foreign Market — Importation of Oil-Cake 
and Manure — The Flax Trade in Belgium — Profit of Flax 
— Apparatus requu-ed for making Compound — Cost of Linseed 
— Mr. Barker on the Flax Crop — Couch Grass — Food for Pigs 
and Sheep. 

Letter XVI 252 

The Authors Reply to Mr. Taunton's Letter — ^His Animad- 
versions on Mr. Taylor's Comparison of Flax with Gold of 
Pleasure — Concludes the Controversy with Mr. Taylor. 

Letter XYII 263 

Peas should be sown' with Flax — The Author's Bullocks— Flax 
sown on newly broken up Land — Quantity of Lmseed con- 
sumed by each Bullock. 

Letter XYIII 267 

Employment of the Rural Population — Mr. Burn on Population 
and Emigration — How to make the most of the Flax Crop — 
Agricultui'al Improvement Association — Proposed Rules for a 
Flax Society. 

Letter XIX. 274 

Free Trade versus Protection — The Flax Crop — Norfolk Soil 
favourable to Flax — Management — Flax cannot be_^ woven by 
Machinery. 

Letter XX 280 

The Author's Reply to Mr. Cobden — Success of the Flax Cause. 



XXll 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

FURTHER LETTERS ON THE CULTIVATION OF FLAX. 

Letter I. — On the Flax-Crop and the Use of Linseed . . 289 
Reply to " Cincinnatus " — The Consul of that Name — A farm in 
Bedfordshire — Profits of Box-feeding — Prices reaUsed by the 
Author for his Flax. 
Letter IL— On Flax . . . . . . . 295 

Reply to "An Old Subscriber" — Flax will fail if grown after 
Turnips — Flax in Bedfordshire — Mr. Druce to the Author — 
Theoretical Farming. .t-^s^ 
Letter III.— The Flax Cause— Box-feeding . . . .301 

Reply to " Ignoramus" — Mr. Matthews's Letter to the Author. 
Concluding Remarks . . . . . . . 306 

Profits of Flax-Growing — Facts connected with the Flax-Crop — 
Manure — Mr. Nicholls — Sir R. Peel's Donation to the Irish 
Flax Society — The Author's Exertions in the Flax Cause — A 
Prize proposed for the best Essay on Flax — Linseed excellent 
Food for Horses — Conclusion. 



APPENDIX. 

Controversy on the Gold of Pleasure . . . . .321 
Letters of the Rev. Daniel Gwilt, the Author, &c., on this subject. 

Cultivation of Hemp ....... 332 

The Hemp Plant— Preparation of the Soil — Sowing — Heckling — 
A Profitable Crop. 

First Annual Report of the National Flax Association . . 335 
Management during the past Year — Saving the Seed — the Crop 
not an exhausting one — Machinery for Flax-dressing — Hand- 
scutching — Hand-spinning — Spread of Information — Factorship 
— Value of the Fibre— of the Seed— Finances. 
A Remedy for the Distresses of Norwich .... 347 
Erection of a Flax-spinning Mill — How to establish the Linen 
Trade — Distress of small Tradesmen in that City — The Labour- 
Market. 

Flax Spinners and Agents in England . . . .353 

Irish Flax and Tow Spinners ...... 354 

Irish Flax Merchants and Agents . . . . .355 

Index 357 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 



TO THE SECOND EDITION. 



The gratification derived by every Author at the call for 
new editions of his works, is now my happy experience. 
Not on account of the circulation of a few books do I 
rejoice, but because of the estimation in which their con- 
tents are held, both by the literary and practical part of 
the community. 

Were I to publish the testimonials of approval, and of 
benefits conferred, a volume might be added to the pre- 
sent. But, fearing that such an appendage might be mis- 
construed, I must leave the inquirer to discover the value 
of my exertions by the continued promulgation of my work, 
which, independent of the demand at home, has been re- 
quired for many foreign countries, including the East and 
West Indies, America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, 
Africa, Van Diemen's Land, &c. 

Far fi'om wishing to indulge in the vanity naturally 
arising fi'om success, I would have avoided the publication 
of a second edition; and therefore authorised the Messrs. 
Baxter of Lewes to embody my writings in their ' Library 
of Agriculture,' where they now occupy a prominent place. 
Extracts have also been constantly circulated through the 
public papers ; but the country still requiring the original 

B 



2 INTRODUCTORY REMARJtS 

compilation, I now offer it improved by the experience of 
another year, and by the curtaihnent of ancient directions 
fomid totally incompatible with modern improvements. 

My book having reference to other topics, besides the 
culture of flax and use of the seed, I wished to obviate the 
republication of any matter that might appear irrelevant 
to the permanent establishment of the flax-cause, and 
therefore had the following advertisement inserted in all 
the county-papers of Norfolk : — 

A Second Edition of Mr. Warnes' Work on the Flax- 
Crop and Use of the Seed is in course of preparation for the 
press. 

" The Author, therefore, invites all parties entertaining ob- 
jections to the views, principles, and statements contained in 
the first Thousand copies, to offer them publicly or privately, 
within one month from the present date, in order that in- 
accuracies and misunderstandings may be explained and 
rectified. — Trimingham, Jan. 1, 1847." 

Two communications only were elicited ; one, from a 
respectable and inoffensive neighbour, whose acknow- 
ledged " narrow education " evinced his incompetency to 
" r;^vise " those historical passages, which educated and 
enlarged minds could alone appreciate ; the other, from an 
anonymous rhymester, whose objections, conveyed in dog- 
grel verse, are fit only for recital by the vagrant orator. 

That no solid objections could be raised, I was of 
course aware. But, on the present occasion, I resolved 
to test the merits of my advocacy by a measure, unpre- 
cedented perhaps in the annals of literary announcements. 
The result must prove satisfactory to every candid reader ; 
and induce many to co-operate systematically in carrying 
out the plans contained in the following pages. Systema- 



t 



TO THE SECOND EDITION. 3 

tically, because, though amateurs, unaided, may fail ; yet, 
if united to associations such as I desire to see established, 
failures would be impossible. 

For the first two or three years, trusting to theory and 
incidental help, I made many egregious mistakes in the 
management of flax ; which, after having obtained expe- 
rienced hands, I found might easily have been avoided. 
But, as it is impossible for every individual grower to 
secure competent workmen, so is the necessity obvious 
that parties should unite to defray the expenses of in- 
struction. This can best be achieved through a National 
Association, having a Central Board in London, with 
county branches and depots attached for the preparation 
of flax and for the training of youth. 

Thus, without materially interfering with the routine 
of farm-business, and at little expense, the introduction of 
flax-culture would be speedily accomplished, to the in- 
calculable benefit of every class of the community ; for 
who is not interested in the employment of the poor? 
Nor could the redundant population half supply the home- 
market with the raw material. This assertion may appear 
paradoxical to those who never saw twelve hundred per- 
sons spinning flax in one room, extending over two acres 
of ground. But let them repair to Leeds and to Belfast, 
to Manchester and to Glasgow, to Preston and to Liverpool, 
and all doubt will quickly be dispersed. I refer not to 
other establishments scattered over England, Ireland, Scot- 
land, and Wales, in which thousands are employed in the 
manufacture of flax the growth of foreign countries. It is 
sufficient that markets are open for the sale of flax in every 
direction, and that our redundant poor, if put to work, 
would be inadequate to supply them. My arguments are 

B 2 



4 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 



drawn, not from theory, but from successful practice, cor- 
roborated by the experience of others, and recorded in 
this volume. Hence their force ! And I entreat the 
reader to reflect upon the facts adduced, remembering 
that their correctness may be witnessed at Trimingham, 
where every operation connected with the flax-crop is 
constantly being conducted. 

Thus fortified, both by argument and by proof, I hesi- 
tated not to accept invitations to appear at public meetings 
in various counties, the leading object of my advocacy 
being the employment of the poor. At all places my 
recommendations were favourably received ; and I have 
since learned that flax will be grown this year to a con- 
siderable extent in the counties that I visited. I refer 
with peculiar pleasure to Devizes in Wiltshire, where, 
through Henry C. Shomberg, Esq., of Wans House, Chip- 
penham, and the Editor of the ' Wiltshire Independent,' 
I was introduced to an influential and numerous auditory. 
I select from the report of my address at this meeting the 
following extract, conceiving that an appropriate place is 
here oifered for the repetition, and trusting that those 
who have to sustain the weight of an unemployed popu- 
lation may avail themselves of the relief proposed, 

" Mr. Warnes would now refer to the earnings of the 
weaker hands engaged upon his farm in dressing flax; 
that is to say, of the wives and children of the labourers, 
whose wages, at best, were inadequate to the wants of 
themselves and families. The augmentation, however, 
afforded by flax-dressing and the other processes com- 
pletely altered their circumstances, and rendered a man 
with a family better off" than a man without one. For 



TO THE SECOND EDITION. 



5 



instance, a little boy only ten years old would earn 3s. 
per week, his mother something more. Another woman 
would bring her infant children into the scutching- house, 
and earn herself from 3s. 6d. to 45. 6d. per week, without 
materially interfering with her domestic concerns. Girls, 
boys, and women obtained similar sums, their wages in- 
creasing as they became more expert. The price per 
stone, extra dressed, is 2^. 6d. Mr.Warnes then referred 
to a visit which Mr. Nichols, the Poor Law Commis- 
sioner, paid to his flax establishment last summer ; — struck 
w^ith the skill displayed by one of the boys, he in- 
quired his age ; the lad replied, ' almost fourteen.' Mr. 
Nichols then asked him what he could earn ; he answered 
6s. 6d. a week ! Mr. Warnes had a Belgian workman, 
who, although very expert, could not earn much more 
than double that sum. Thus they saw that the juvenile 
population, the women, and weaker hands, could be pro- 
fitably employed through the culture and preparation of 
flax, and, instead of being burdensome, might become 
beneficial to society. Amongst those whom he designated 
' weaker hands ' were many youths too well known at the 
boards of guardians ; for whom, except at hay-making and 
harvest, little or no work upon farms could be found, and 
who were therefore consigned to the union house — an 
unfortunate race ! Yet these same young men would, 
according to Mr. Warnes' experience, make better flax- 
dressers than the more robust. In whatever way the 
subject was considered, nothing but advantages and bless- 
ings of no common order could be discerned ; and when 
brought into practice their most sanguine expectations 
would be more than realized. Mr. Warnes said that the 
poor-rates of Trimingham were nominal, owing to the 



6 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 



employment afforded by flax. This he repeated, and 
begged to observe that, instead of a quarterly collection, 
three quarters had been put together, and 3d. in the 
pound only had been required for the maintenance of the 
infirm, and for the defrayment of union charges. Circum- 
stances might arise to render those rates a little higher ; 
but so long as flax was cultivated they could not exceed 
6d. or 9c/. in the pound for the year. Now it was im- 
possible but that any other parish in the kingdom might 
be similarly circumstanced, provided the same means were 
resorted to ; and he should be glad to see the experiment 
tried in the worst and most distressed parishes in Wilt- 
shire, the more populous the better. He challenged the 
authorities to the trial ; and he should consider it his 
duty to aid them in so laudable an undertaking, and 
hoped that the proposition would not be thrown away." 

Such are the glorious consequences accruing from the 
culture of flax ! Such the benefits conferred upon the poor 
at seasons when no other work can be found ! And such 
the advantages of a crop alike available to all populous 
districts. I cannot adequately describe those advantages ; 
but my countrymen will bear with my attempt to impress 
them with the fact that no gratitude surpasses that of the 
industrious poor who receive employment at our hands ; 
who crave, not charity, but work ; and who consider 
themselves most degraded when eating the bread of idle- 
ness. Nor can I mention with less satisfaction that class 
of young persons of both sexes, for whom but little sym- 
pathy is felt, and still less eflbrt made to reclaim. The 
habits of several have been reformed by the labour afforded 
upon my premises through the inestimable flax- plant, who 



TO THE SECOND EDITION, 7 

in spring depart to aid the tillers of the soil, rejoicing in 
the hope that when harvest is past and summer ended 
they may again resort to the preparation of flax. 

I now claim attention to the advantages we ourselves 
may derive from the crop, the greatest of which must 
ever centre in the consciousness of doing good. But our 
reward cannot terminate here, because a bountiful Pro- 
vidence always blesses with increase the labours of the 
poor ; and it will be our own fault if, through want of 
proper attention, we reap not profits equal to those re- 
corded in this book. 

I am prevented from giving an accurate return for my 
last year's produce, because only half has been sent to 
market; but from the price obtained, viz., 855. per cwt. 
for the best, and 535. for the worst, I calculate that the 
profits per acre will be from about 8/. to 12/., after allow- 
ing my labourers, according to the above extract, a more 
liberal interest in the crop than heretofore. 

The reasonableness of this calculation will appear evi- 
dent on comparison with the following letter, already 
widely circulated through the public journals : — 

ON THE CULTIVATION OF FLAX. 

To the Editor of the Oxford Journal. 

Sir, — From the interest you take at all times in matters 
relating to agriculture, I am induced to lay before you the 
result of an experiment in the cultivation of flax on my father's 
farm (the produce of which has just been sold by Mr. Schwann, 
agent for the sale of flax, Leeds), with the hope that it may in 
some degree remove existing prejudices against the cultivation 
of this invaluable plant, as it not only suj)plies the farmer with 
an excellent ingredient for the purposes of feeding cattle, but 
also aflbrds good and profitable employment to the rural 
population, which, it must be admitted by all, is much wanted 
at this season of the year. 



8 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 



It is by many considered an exhausting and unprofitable 
crop ; the former is a mere idle notion ; experience will teach 
that it meliorates rather than exhausts the soil ; (and it may not 
be out of place here to mention that this season, after a crop 
of flax, I A. Or. 1p. planted mangold-wurzel, produced, clean 
and free from tops, 43 tons 15 cwt. ;) with regard to the latter, 
I shall refer you to the following statement : — 

(Growth of 1845 on 4a. 1r. 24p.) 
1349 lbs. of flax sold in Leeds for (after deducting all expenses) 
106 lbs. of ditto sold in Ensham ...... 

372 lbs. of tow, ditto 

104 bushels of linseed, at 7s. Qd. per bushel .... 
Small quantity of tail linseed, chaff, and refuse from scutching . 



£ 


s. 


d. 


25 


10 


6 


2 


13 





4 


13 





39 








1 


10 





73 


6 


6 



EXPENSES. 


£ 


s. 


d. 


Ploughing 4a. 1r. 24p. at lOs. 


2 


4 





10^ bushels of linseed, at 7s. Qd. . , . . 


3 


18 


9 


Sowing and harrowing ditto ..... 





10 







1 


2 





Pulling and tying up the stalks, threshing, spreading, 








and turning, preparing for scutching, 30s. per acre 


6 


12 





Expenses of carting, stacking in barn, &c. 


1 


15 





Rent and taxes, 50s. per acre ..... 


11 








Scutching 1455 lbs. of flax, at 2c?. per lb. 


12 


2 


6 


Ditto 372 lbs. tow, at \d. per lb 


1 


11 






40 15 3 



£32 11 3 

It will be seen from the above statement that the cost of 
preparing the fibre for market is very great in comparison to 
its value, and I was induced from this serious item in expenses 
to write to Mr. Warnes, of Trimingham, Norfolk (to whom I 
am indebted for much useful information on the subject), in 
answer to which he says, " the cost of dressing your flax is 
excessive, the quantity of tow and consequent waste immense." 
I think, therefore, under these circumstances, and with the 
above result, the cultivation of flax is deserving of some consi- 
deration. 

My only object in troubling you with this subject is the 
improvement of agriculture. 

I remain, Sir, yours very respectfully, 

Ensham, Jan. 27, 1847. Samuel Druce, Jun. 



TO THE SECOND EDITION. 



9 



The friends of the flax-cause will hail the above letter 
as a powerful auxiliary to my labours ; because it already 
establishes the two points that I have long endeavoured 
to enforce ; viz., that flax is a remunerative, and not an 
exhausting crop. It will now be difficult to find any other 
impediment to the growth of the plant than the fear 
of trouble. But under well-regulated associations, this 
dreaded inconvenience might be materially lightened. 

The profits of the first year would prove a stimulus for 
the second ; and in the third, flax would stand foremost 
in the farmer's estimation. Such was my experience for 
the first three or four years, commencing with one acre. 
Now I am preparing twenty acres for my seventh crop, 
being about a sixth part of my farm ; a proof that I am 
actuated by something more solid than the charm of 
novelty. And were I the occupier of a thousand acres 
situated in a populous district, it would be both my in- 
terest and duty to appropriate a quantity of land to flax, 
proportionate to the redundancy of hands ; — interest, 
because those hands would produce greater acreable 
profits than flocks of sheep \ duty, because of the Divine 
injunction to aflford every man the means of living by the 
sweat of his brow. 

Why then should we not be as solicitous to introduce 
new sources of employment for our people, as fresh 
varieties of provender for our cattle, seeing that the 
greatest gains are obtained from the labouring poor ? Let 
us then unite our minds and our means, and set them to 
work on flax. Soon should we discover that one flock of 
human beings is more profitable than many herds of 
cattle : and that the redundant population would cease to 
exist except in the page of history. The reader who may 



10 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 



be disposed to treat this observation as illusive, must re- 
member that in my system of flax-culture is involved the 
use of the seed for bullocks in boxes ; and that I calculate 
upon as great an outlay for labour in this department as 
for the preparation of the stalks. Not for attendance 
upon cattle merely, but for gathering in the crops in- 
creased by manure the most effective yet applied to the 
soil. 

Were I to speak only of my own experience, doubt might 
reasonably be entertained; but when I refer to the 
extensive ranges of boxes erected by the most eminent 
agriculturists in England, to the general adoption of the 
Compound-system of feeding cattle, and to the article 
written expressly for this work* by such an authority as 
Sir Charles Burrell, Bart., every shadow of suspicion must 
be removed. 

Experience, however, warns me not to be too confident. 
But I am entitled, as a practical writer, to expect that 
my plans be fairly tested, and then, instead of objections, 
approvals only can be elicited. 

If foreign farmers, whose advantages we have so lately 
and so vividly depicted in Parliament, whose freedom 
from church and state expenses we so much covet, and 
whose influx of cheap corn and cattle we so greatly dread, 
think the subjects upon which I write worthy of investi- 
gation, surely they cannot be less important to us dis- 
appointed supplicants for Protection. The barrier, how- 
. ever, is removed ; and the British farmer is undone if he 
cannot supply our markets with corn and meat at lower 
prices than his foreign competitor. 

Every expedient for the improvement of agriculture 

* See Index. 



TO THE SECOND EDITION. 



ought therefore to be resorted to without delay, in order 
that a natural barrier may, if possible, be raised, which 
rival nations, with all their advantages, shall not be able 
to pass. The interests of the manufacturer are as much 
at stake as those of the farmer, because one cannot exist 
independently of the other. But should our utmost 
endeavours fail to produce provisions at continental prices, 
the manufacturers will be as anxious for the restoration of 
artificial barriers as the most vehement protectionist. 

But the trial, at all events, must be made. Agricul- 
tural safety now depends upon increased production ; and 
he who refuses to march in the ranks of improvement, is 
sure to be cut ofi". It is true that Lord Nelson put the 
glass to his blind eye, and yet won the battle. Under 
protective laws we might do the same ; those laws how- 
ever are abrogated, and the enemy, alas ! is within our 
camp. Farmers must therefore open both eyes, and look 
around for new weapons to repel him. 

But some may exclaim, the farmer is in too deep a 
sleep ! I reply, " 'Not so in Norfolk." And if I may 
judge from an extensive correspondence with influential 
agriculturists in every part of the kingdom, a general 
awakening to the future is taking place. 

The subjects for consideration, therefore, must first be 
those treated of in this work, because they relate to the 
two fundamental principles of agriculture ; viz. the se- 
curing, from native resources, an adequate supply of 
manure for land, and food for cattle : principles glaringly 
violated under our present system of husbandry. 

I allude not to Norfolk alone, where rivulets indeed 
freely run from the fold-yard, but also to the rivers of 
manure that I have seen flowing off* in other counties, 



12 



INTRODUCTOKY REMAUKS 



forming altogether a tide, which, if properly directed, 
would increase the produce of Great Britain tenfold. 

It is impossible to suppose that any farmer, having lost 
a few sovereigns from a hole in his pocket, would not 
have it carefully secured before he again risked his money. 
Yet there is scarcely one through whose premises that tide 
of wealth, which I have endeavoured to describe, does not 
escape. In the direct loss of a few sovereigns, the extent 
of the misfortune is ascertained ; but no calculation can 
be made of the indirect losses through the above waste. 
To counteract the effects of this error, our leading agricul- 
turists vainly resort to foreign cattle-food and manure ; 
while the scanty crops of the less enterprising too truly 
evince the folly of applying compost like salt that has 
"lost its savour," and ''is fit neither for the land, nor yet 
for the dunghill." 

It will be seen from the descriptions and plans of the 
cattle-boxes, that no escape of manure or admission of 
water can take place ; and that the animal deposit being 
absorbed by straw, or, if necessary, by dry mould, sand, 
clay, road-dust, &c., &c., is, after five, six, or more weeks, 
carted away, mixed with mould, and when required put 
upon the land, thus becoming the salt of the earth. 

If so much can be said on the subject of manure, how 
much more could be advanced with respect to the waste 
and economy gf cattle food ! I refer especially to grass ; 
an acre of which I have shown would maintain three bul- 
' locks, at least, in the place of one, wherever my box-feed- 
ing system is in operation. Those who admit the correct- 
ness of my strictures upon the injury to manure by rain 
in winter, will readily acknowledge the same by the sun 
in summer ; an injury that would be avoided by consum- 



TO THE SECOND EDITION. 



13 



ing the grass in boxes. The cattle also, screened from flies, 
would fatten ; and return a profit by summer-grazing, now 
seldom if ever obtained. Thus will the boxes be found 
even of more value than in winter. 

To render the whole system truly English, nothing is 
required except that the grazier should grow his own lin- 
seed, which, I repeat, is more valuable than the average of 
other crops, independent of the stalks. 

Through the use of linseed, therefore, the cultivation 
of flax may be considered established, which kings and 
parliaments failed to enforce either by laws, rewards, or 
fines. History records these facts ; but in no instance do 
we find that princes themselves set the example of cul- 
tivating the plant. This blank has been left to be filled 
up by His Eoyal Highness Albert the Prince Consort. 

" Qua locus Ei igonen inter Chelasque sequentes 
Panditur : ipse tibi jam brachia contrahit ardens 
Scorpius, et eoeli justa plus parte relinquit." 

As " Example is beyond Precept," so I augur, from 
the introduction of flax-culture upon the estates of Prince 
Albert, the progression and permanent establishment of 
the flax-cause •, for on my representing to the Prince 
that it involved the interests of the working classes, he 
immediately turned to General Wemyss, and said, " We 
will grow flax." 

His Koyal Highness then entered with freedom and 
acuteness into the subject of flax-culture, with the use of 
the seed, boxes, &c., and expressed his approbation of 
my system, and the pleasure he had derived from our 
casual interview at Cumberland Lodge. 

The exquisite appearance of the growing flax-plant, 
the elegance of the stalk, and the beauty of the flower, 



14 



INTBODTIOTORY REMARKS. 



will doubtless attract much of Royal attention. But the 
various uses to which the fibre is applied, and the import- 
ance of the seed, must form the most gratifying subjects 
for inquiry, in connexion with the employment afforded 
to youth, to age, and to the infirm. 

Associations of this delightful character cannot fail to 
raise the flax-cause in the estimation of the public. I 
therefore hope to see the day when my advocacy will be 
supported by the wealth, influence, and philanthropy of 
the United Kingdom. 



( 15 ) 



E E A S N S 

FOR THE 

CULTIVATION OF FLAX. 



Agriculture and home commerce are the pillars of national 
prosperity : for when success attends the plough, the labourer 
and the artisan are employed, provisions and wares meet a 
ready sale, and the tradesman flourishes. 

In proportion as Agriculture is depressed, all the dependent 
branches of trade suffer ; for if the country spends nothing, the 
towns must needs languish. When the small rivulets are dried 
up, the main stream is lessened ; and if the people consume 
but little of farm-produce, the springs of home commerce are 
consequently exhausted. 

The consumption from the farm and the factory is regulated 
according to the rate at which the people are employed and 
paid ; for they never cease to consume except when they cease 
to receive wages adequate to their wants. When the poor 
have the means, they are always the best customers at market, 
for they carry ready money in their hands, and take off* the 
inferior meats, coarsest wares, and in truth most of those things 
which the rich will not have at any price. 

The great drawback on agriculture and trade, at the pre- 
sent crisis, is a want of sale for ordinary meat, malt, and the 
inferior articles of manufacture, the consumption of which 
mainly depends on the working classes. 

We need be under no apprehension of a market for our 
prime articles, when there is a brisk sale for the worst ; but 
even the value of the superior is always enhanced as the prices 
of the inferior kinds advance. 



16 



NECESSITY OF EMPLOYING THE POOR. 



Who would ffom choice lie on straw, drink water instead of 
beer, eat potatoes without bread or meat, or not provide him- 
self and family with substantial clothing for the day and cover- 
ing for the night ? Certainly no one. The stinted meal of 
potatoes has however displaced that of bread ; nakedness and 
destitution are the substitutes of decent clothing ; while meat 
and beer have been too long unknown in the dwellings of the 
poor. The exceptions are indeed comparatively few. Their 
employers are placed in proportionate difficulties, and are 
constrained to practise a severe economy. Consequently the 
consumption of native produce is immensely hindered, and the 
best interests of the nation marred. 

The largest tree receives support from the multitude of its 
fibrous roots, which, if injured, will cause the branches to 
wither and the trunk to decay ; so, if the multitude of our 
labouring population cannot find employment, the branches of 
inward trade must wither, and the nation decay. 

The wants of the poor are real, not imaginary. Thousands 
are, at the present time, reduced to the greatest and most ag- 
gravated distress ; some from the total want of work, and others 
from not being sufficiently paid. The distress is national, and 
the cry for employment urgent. A deaf ear can no longer be 
turned to it. The cannon's mouth, it is true, backed by a well 
organised army, may calm our fears for a time ; but the tide of 
an unemployed population must eventually overwhelm all. 

Nor can the impending danger be averted except by the 
certainty of employment. 

Constant work facilitates consumption, which is the main- 
spring of national prosperity. The Minister who shall obtain 
this national desideratum will be the best politician and the 
object of an universal gratitude. 

It can, unquestionably, be found in the varied resources of 
this great country — a fact that has been repeatedly shown by 
many able writers ; and it is somewhat difficult to account for 
the little effect produced. 

The enfranchisement of copj^holds, an act to drain and faci- 
litate the exchange of lands, and the enclosure of wastes, would 
be of eminent service. These, and many other measures to 
improve the country and the condition of the people, have been 



IMPORTATION OF FOREIGN PRODUCE. 



17 



repeatedly laid before Parliament, and have mostly from vari- 
ous conflicting causes and interests been nullified. 

The history of the world offers no parallel to the sufferings 
of the operatives in the manufacturing districts. Nor is the 
slightest hope of alleviation held out to them, except through 
the chimerical scheme of Free Trade, than which I fear nothing 
could more effectually perpetuate their miseries. Chimerical, 
because the Corn Law and the Tariff have already' greatly 
reduced the price of provisions, without affording the slightest 
alleviation to the manufacturing distress. 

It is only reasonable therefore to conclude, that if all re- 
strictive duties were removed, the evil would be increased 
rather than lessened. 

Large quantities of foreign agricultural produce have been 
admitted to the depreciation of our own, without any propor- 
tionable demand for British goods in return; and it is, indeed, 
much to be apprehended that a more extensive exportation 
would not be the means of materially advancing the condition 
of the operative. For it appears that competition in the 
foreign markets can only be carried on, with any chance of 
success, by a low rate of wages in this country. 

Therefore, as foreign trade must be maintained by cheap 
bread, cheap labour, and oppression ; no doubt can exist that 
it is the imperative duty of our legislators to promote agri- 
culture and home commerce, which would flourish under high 
prices of produce and of labour, and render the state of the 
poor prosperous.* 

* Since the publication of the above, the large manufacturing districts have 
assumed an appearance of the greatest prosperity ; but the wages of the opera- 
tives are still barely sufficient for the common necessaries of life, and entail a 
state of cruel vassalage that can never be remedied except by the abolition of 
the Factory System. The term prosperous, therefore, is delusive, because, the 
servant not being enabled to accumulate in proportion to his master, nor to save 
the smallest jnttance for old age, must, at the termination of his labours, be cast, 
not upon his liege lord, as in former times, but upon the Poor Law s for support. 

It is in vain that newspapers expose the wretchedness of the working classes. 
It is in vain that gentlemen, influenced by a spirit of love to their fellow-men, 
report the horrors they have witnessed. It is in vain that the interference of 
Omnipotence is invoked to provide a remedy, so long as the Satanic influence 
of the " Mule and Iron-man" used in the factories prevails against the repre- 
sentations of reason and humanity. I could 




C 



18 



STATE OF COMMERCE ON THE CONTINENT. 



Many elaborate statements have been written to show that 
the condition of our ^^oor is much superior to that of the Conti- 
nental ; without any reference to the inferior condition of the 
foreign to that of the English gentleman. The rise of very 
many of the higher orders of society in this country may be 
traced from those flourishing times when the labourer and the 
artisan were employed at liberal wages. An impetus was 
then given to home commerce, which has been gradually sub- 
siding in proportion to the reduction of wages; and now it is 
comparatively at a stand, in consequence of the extremely low 
and illiberal rate at which the working classes are paid. The 
inevitable result must soon be the fall of English gentlemen 
as well as of English labourers to a level with foreigners, and 
the designs of that party be accomplished which would delight 
to revel in the ruins of agriculture, and in the application of 
the sponge to the national debt. 

It is true that bread and meat are cheap abroad; but it is 
equally true that the wages of the poor in general will allow 
them to purchase but little of either. In some parts of the 
world the spontaneous productions of the earth contribute 
largely towards the maintenance of the poor, as they may be 
had for the trouble of gathering. But the climate of this 
country will not allow our people to obtain relief from hedges 
and ditches. 

Nothing can be more impolitic than the attempt to supply 
our population with corn, raw material, manufactures, or any 
articles made in other countries, that can be grown, manufac- 
tured, and made at home. We pay down hard money for these 
productions to foreigners, who never return a single farthing 
for anything produced from the soil and industry of this king- 
dom ; but, on the contrary, the}^ wisely employ it in the im- 
provement of their own agriculture, in the erection of facto- 
ries, and in rendering themselves for ever independent of 
England. 

I could unfold cases of misery and destitution that would sicken the heart in 
the perusal. I could relate instances where the rising; influence of Christian 
feeling towards the amelioration of these sufferings has been overpowered by 
the sordid passion= for gain. But I refer to my ' Remedy for the Distresses of 
Norwich,' in the Appendix. 



EFFECTS OF POOR LAWS. 



19 



Between twenty-five and thirty millions of money were paid 
to foreign nations last year for grain and seeds of various kinds^ 
hemp and flax, oil-cake and manure, and manufactured goods, 
&c. &c,, whilst the foreign demand for, as well as the home 
consumption of, our own manufacture, has most materially de- 
creased. Hence the melancholy state of the operatives in the 
manufacturing towns. Had a few only of those millions been 
paid to British, Scotch, and Irish farmers for grain and provi- 
sions, the money would have circulated at home, and a portion 
of ihe benefits been conveyed to both town and country labour- 
ers ; and we should have seen them usefully and happily occu- 
pied, instead of being idly and miserably immured within the 
walls of a Union house. 

More fatal than the Tariff have the Poor Laws been to re- 
munerating v/ages and home commerce. 

The multiplicity of dependent people affords a number of 
workmen at a cheap rate, who will let themselves at any price, 
adapt their wants and necessities to their wages, and when no 
more work is to be obtained, reluctantly seek an asylum in the 
workhouse. 

Nine shillings per week for a productive labourer, with his 
wife and five or six children, is only a fraction over or under 
three farthings a meal for each — while single men wander 
about seeking v/ork and can find none, who^ rather than be in- 
carcerated in the workhouse, where life is rendered a burden, 
will submit to such an abstinence from necessary food as barely 
admits of preserving vitality. 

To these causes, mainly, are we to attribute the immense 
decay of home commerce ; for it must be remembered the work- 
ing classes form the great majority, and upon their well-being 
depends the prosperity of the state; therefore till some expe- 
dients are adopted to advance their condition, the prospect of 
better times to the farmer, the tradesman, and the labourer 
must remain hopeless. For where is the manufacturer to find 
a market for his goods, the farmer for his corn, or the poor 
ftian for his labour? 

The labourer or mechanic who is employed one day, and is 
the next plunged into that receptacle of human wretchedness, 
the Union workhouse, sinks into despair; there separated from 



20 



EFFECTS OF INSUFFICIENT EMPLOYMENT. 



his family, he listens to the debasing counsels of those with 
whom he is compelled to associate ; and at last falls from the 
situation of being a creditable to that of a pernicious member 
of society. 

In proportion as the people are miserable, their services can 
be obtained for any purposes. Hence the midnight depre- 
dations, the commitments to gaol, and the expensive police. 

It is the horrible practice of many countries to keep the com- 
mon people in ignorance and in vrant, in order to make them 
pliant and to enforce subordination. In this kingdom, in this 
land of liberty and of Christian profession, one would hardly 
suppose that a policy so debasing existed. And yet how dread- 
ful are the effects of those laws which reduce the poor to the 
greatest hardships, compel them to perform the severest labour, 
and to let themselves out at wages far beneath the sum required 
to purchase a sufficiency of the commonest necessaries. 

We who receive an abundant share, and fare sumptuously 
every day, cannot fail to remember that our enjoyments arc 
derived from the incessant labours of the working classes. I 
Nor ought it to be forgotten that in the attempt to improve I 
their condition, and to afford them a reasonable proportion of I 
the common fruits of the earth, we at the same time advance I 
our own interests, secure the stability of our present posses- 
sions, and perform the part assigned us by the Creator. 

The efforts of the benevolent can never compensate for the 
lack of employment. The want of permaiient employment is 
a hydra that feeds upon the vitals of our country, devouring 
and consuming her substance and reducing her by degrees to 
universal pauperism. As idleness is the root of all evil, so is 
employment the root of all civil, moral, and religious order. | 
At no period of our history was there ever a stronger desire 
expressed to afford permanent occupation and to alleviate the a 
sufferings of the people than ?.t the present. f 

For this purpose the growth of Flax offers the prospect of a 
more speedy and permanent relief than any project that has 
yet been brought before the public. For while the crop is 
highly remunerative to the farmer, it affords more varied 
employment and multiplied benefits than any other production 
of the earth. 

i 



OUR SOCIAL CONDITION. 



21 



It is stated that five or six millions of money are annually 
sent out of this country to purchase Flax. Now, provided 
one -third only of this sum is paid for actual labour, it would 
be sufficient to obviate our present difficulties if circulated in 
promoting the growth and preparation of that important 
article at home. But there is another advantage to the 
British Farmer over that of the Foreign in the value of the 
seed for fattening cattle ; which without any other considera- 
tion, will amply remunerate ; so that the work occasioned by 
this double crop will require all our spare hands, and at once 
put a stop to the cry for employment and the rage for free 
trade. 

If Flax were grown upon an extensive scale in England, 
the number of hands required would be incalculable ; not for 
a season only, depending upon the fluctuations of fashion, but 
for a permanency, because, as linen ever has been one of the 
most useful and favourite articles of wearing apparel, so will 
it continue to the end of time. 

'^'^ Amongst the many, the multitude of questions that de- 
mand the attention of the British statesman and the British 
nation, the loud, the pressing, the paramount cry of the 
people for employment and for bread, still predominates. To 
this grand consideration all the rest — foreign war, domestic 
taxation, political discontent, are as dust in the balance."* 
" It is generally difficult to gain the public ear for inquiries 
into social suffering and disorder ; the sympathy of the higher 
classes is at all times dull to tales of misery in which they do 
not share, and of peril from which they conceive that their 
station will exempt them. Yet the subject is one of which, to 
all orders of men, it is impossible to exaggerate the import- 
ance or the urgency. The social condition of the poorer 
classes — their physical sufferings and their moral deficiencies 
— their wants and their wishes — form topics of inquiry in the 
sight of which all party questions, all constitutional changes, 
all international policy, all colonial disputes, as such, sink into 
comparative insignificance."! 



* Norwich Mercury. 



t Westminster Review. 



22 



FLAX-CROP IN IRELAJv'D. 



These are amongst the most energetic and soul-stirring 
appeals of those who profess to see no hope of ameliorating 
the condition of the people, except from the resources of 
foreign lands. I have quoted them because I conceive that 
they are equally applicable to promote permanent employ- 
ment from the resources of our own land, and perhaps may 
tend to ward off those fatal consequences which must inevitably 
accrue from the importation of an undue proportion of raw 
material for our people to manufacture, and of corn for our 
people to eat. For if such acute and powerful arguments 
can be advanced to aid a chimerical project, they must acquire 
a force infinitely greater when applied to the promotion of our 
OAvn interests rather than to those of foreigners. And I 
cannot doubt that when despair of finding relief at home shall 
have given place to hope, these great and comprehensive 
minds will be devoted to the furtherance of those immea- 
surably important designs contemplated by the Flax Asso- 
ciation, which, like a ship just launched, waits an outfit from 
the benevolent heart and liberal hand, that she may prosecute 
her voyage to the haven of National Prosperity. 

That the cultivation of so important a plant as Flax should 
have remained so long neglected, may perhaps be a matter of 
astonishment. For while the mind of man would vainly 
compass sea and land to obtain an alleviation of our national 
distress, the finger of an all-bountiful Creator points to our 
own soil as the source whence the remedy can alone be 
derived. 

Flax is cultivated in some parts of England and Scotland, 
but with so little care and attention that it can only be used 
for the coarser articles of manufacture, and is not worth half 
the price per ton that is given by our manufacturers for 
foreign. The Irish w^ere similarly circumstanced till they 
formed a society two years since to promote an improved sys- 
tem of preparation. They engaged Belgian instructors, have 
succeeded beyond their most sanguine expectations, and have 
now the gratification of seeing their countrymen employed in 
preparing and manufacturing a description of flax before 
unknown in Ireland, and for which immense sums were an- 
nually paid to foreigners. I wi^s present at this Society's 



FLAX CULTIVATED IX THE EARLIEST AGES. 



23 



mcctino: at Belfast, in Nov. last, and heard Mr. S. R. Mul- 
hoUand state as an instance of the beneficial effects of the 
improved system, that the Firm with which he was connected 
had sent no less than 40,000/. of ready cash out of the country 
annually for the purchase of flax, but that in the present year 
they had not expended as many pence. In the emphatic 
words of this gentleman, I venture again to call upon my 
countrymen ^^to take advantage of what God and nature 
had done for our soil," and promote the growth of this im- 
portant plant in England. 

The cultivation of flax has engaged the attention of man- 
kind, from the earliest ages, in almost every part of the globe ; 
and has continued, up to the present time, a source of profit to 
the cultivator, and of employment to the people. Several 
lively allusions occur in the Sacred Scriptures. " The flax 
and the barley were smitten ; for the barley was in the ear, and 
the flax was boiled. But the wheat and the rye were not 
smitten, for they were not grown up." From this simple 
statement we discover the accuracy of the Mosaic account, for 
in England also flax ripens before wheat. Rahab hid the spies 
with the stalks of flax that were laid in order on the roof of 
her house. Now as a nice regard is paid to the order in which 
flax is laid to dry at the present time preparatory to scutching 
and spinning, doubtless hers was placed upon the roof for 
similar purposes. Many cottiers in Ireland grow small patches 
of flax in their gardens, which they prepare and spin for their 
own private uses. 

Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn ; 
the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price. Job 
complained that his days were swifter than a v^^eaver's shuttle. 
From these quotations Ave learn that flax was cultivated, pre- 
pared, spun into yarn, woven into linen, and considered an 
important article of merchandise in those remote ages. 
Indeed fine linen is frequently mentioned amongst the orna- 
ments of the Temple at Jerusalem. The Egyptians," says 
Belzoni, "were certainly well acquainted with linen manu- 
factures equal to our own, for in many of their figures we 
observe their garments quite transparent ;" and among the 
foldings of the mummies he observed " some cloth quite as fine 



24 



FLAX A DOUBLE CROP. 



as our common muslin, very strong, and of an even texture;" 
ivhich proves that their manufactures must have arrived at 
a great degree of excellence. Pliny describes the different 
qualities of flax respectively produced by each country^ with a 
particularity which argues that the manufacture of linen was 
already become an important branch of commerce to many 
nations. It appears that the produce of flax was first intro- 
duced into England by the Romans. But we may infer that 
the plant itself was not cultivated at the time of the Norman 
Conquest. Compared to the gi eat demand for flax, its cul- 
tivation both in England and Ireland is almost nominal. The 
flax-plant is scarcely affected by difference of soil and climate. 
It flourishes in the cold as well as in the temperate regions of 
Europe; in North and South America, in Africa, and in Asia. 
In some parts of Russia the flax- grounds are as extensive as 
the corn-lands; but in Belgium flax is cultivated with the 
greatest skill and success. The value of a flax- crop is there- 
fore no new discovery ; the novelty consists in the attempt to 
introduce an extended and an improved cultivation of so 
valuable an article into our system of husbandry. 

Considering the superiority cf British agriculture, par- 
ticularly that of Norfolk, it is astonishing that the real pro- 
]3erties of flax should have been so little understood and so 
long neglected — in Norfolk^, too, where even the refuse of 
the seed, in the shape of oil- cake, has been for many years 
more highly appreciated than any other food to fatten cattle. 
It is also wonderful that history affords no information of the 
cultivation of flax exclusively for the sake of the seed to fatten 
cattle, until the attempt was made by myself at Trimingham. 
So little was linseed-cake appreciated about 80 years ago, that 
it was used in Holland merely as fuel ; and it is only within 
the last year or two that the attention of the Irish has been 
directed to the importance of saving the seed ; for they were 
always in the habit of throwing it with the flax into the steep- 
ing holes, not thinking the bolls, in which the seed is con- 
tained, worth pulling off". 

Flax may certainly be termed a double crop ; for while the 
straw of wheat is reduced to manure, the straw of flax is 
advanced to the most useful purposes and made into the most 



EMPLOYMENT CAUSED BY THE PEEPARATION OF FLAX. 



25 



elegant material. In Belgium it is called the Golden Crop ;" 
in Ireland, the " Rent-paying Crop." Flax sown thin pro- 
duces more seed and a less valuable fibre ; if thick, less seed 
and a superior fibre. 

As an agriculturist, I should say, that the first in import- 
ance is the seed, because of its properties, when made into 
compound, to fatten my cattle ; of the value of the manure for 
my land, and of the employment which it affords to my la- 
bourers, As a manufacturer I should undoubtedly say the 
first in importance is the fibre, because of the high price that 
1 pay for it in a foreign country ; the great and increasing 
c'emand for all linen goods ; and the fund of employment that 
a large supply of home-grown flax would afford the manufac- 
turing population. 

" If," as the Rev. F. Blalcely observed at the Belfast Flax- 
Meeting, gentlemen would calculate from the time the 
ploughman turned up the soil, in preparation for the flax- 
seed, until the period at which the lapper decorated his webs 
with golden leaf, it would be found that about thirty diff"erent 
classes of society earned a livelihood in the cultivation and 
management of flax. And when it w^as considered that of 
these several might be aged men and women, or might be 
even children, many arguments might be adduced to prove 
the great importance of the growing of flax to the country. 
Whatever gave employment lowered the poor-rate, and what- 
ever lowered the poor-rate was of advantage to all ranks of 
the community." Mr. Ross, M.P., also remarked, that 
" mouths increase faster than markets, and that it was their 
duty to make use of such means as were within their reach, 
to provide employment for the population. The time was 
arrived when all who live by agriculture were called upon to 
pay particular attention to it ; and if there was one branch 
more than another that should engage their attention, flax 
was that branch. 

To no party are we more indebted than to the Flax Im- 
provement Society of Ireland ; because from no other quarter 
could we have derived such a fund of information in so short a 



26 



NORTH WALSHAM FAKMERs" CLUB. 



time and at so little cost. We are also encouraged to expect 
the Irish merchants to visit our flax-markets so soon as we 
can produce an article sufficiently attractive. They desire to 
deal with us rather than with foreigners; and thus may we 
reasonably anticipate, through this fresh source of commercial 
intercourse^ a reciprocity of incalculable benefits; amongst 
which none would be greater, I am persuaded, from observa- 
tion, than the introduction of British husbandry into Ireland. 
I will just observe that the most accurate information on agri- 
culture might readily be obtained by deputations sent to 
England, who would be hospitably received by our enlight- 
ened and liberal agriculturists. The formation of numerous 
Farmers' Clubs, similar to those in England, would also tend 
greatly to promote the interests of agriculture in Ireland, par- 
ticularly if correspondences were established between the Clubs 
of both countries, which could easily be effected. 

Innumerable advantages have accrued from the establish- 
ment of local societies in England. I have read many of their 
interesting and valuable Reports. The North Walsham Farm- 
ers' Club ranks not among the least in enterprise and utility, 
of which many proofs appear in the neighbourhood. It would 
be superfluous to enumerate more than are contained in the 
following Report, abridged from the two Norwich papers^ which 
it is necessary to record in order to carry out the design of this 
work. 



NORTH WALSHAM FARMERS' CLUB. 

The annual meeting of this Society took place on Friday, 
October 28th. In consequence of the interest excited through- 
. out the county by the new Compound for Fattening Cattle, 
and the attention w^hich has been lately drawn by Mr. J. 
Warnes, jun., of Trimingham, to the Cultivation of Flax in 
Norfolk, a large number of landowners and practical farmers 
assembled at North Walsham, to attend this meeting of the 
Club. 

The exhibition was held on the grounds of the Rev. W. F. 



STOCK FATTENED ON LINSEED. 



27 



Wilkinson, rector of North Walsham, where a large marquee 
was pitched and coppers erected for making Compound. Also 
samples of linseed, with flax in straw, turnips, mangold 
wurzel, carrots, potatoes, &c., were exhibited. 

The show of stock was extremely confined. A few bullocks 
were shown by Mr. Warnes, as proofs of the fattening proper- 
ties of the Compound ; and, as much difference of opinion was 
expressed respecting the weight, two were killed on the spot, 
viz., a Devon steer and a yomig home-bred heifer. 

The following are the particulars of the cattle slaughtered : 
— The Devon bullock, purchased on the 8th of January, at 
9/. 15^. ; killed on the 28th of October following; weighed 58 
stone 10 lbs. (loose fat, 8 stone 7 lbs.) ; value of the carcass, at 
Ss. per stone, 231. IQs., from which, after deducting the cost 
price, and 81. lis, for compound, leaves a balance of 5/. 4,?. 
with the manure, for turnips and grass, the real value of vfhich 
was trifling, on account of the small quantity consumed. 

The home-bred was only eleven months old, and was pur- 
chased in May, at 3/. It weighed 29 stone 12 lbs. (loose fat, 
4 stone 2 lbs.), value of the carcass, at 85. per stone, 12/., leav- 
ing a balance of 91. for compound and grass ; latterly it had a 
few potatoes and turnips, but no milk or any other food what- 
ever. 

The great points of attraction were, the process for making 
the different compounds, and exhibition of flax from various 
parts of the county, with linseed of home and foreign growth. 

The varieties of these productions gave rise to much ani- 
mated conversation. It was generally agreed that the culti- 
vation of flax for the intrinsic value of the seed would repay 
the cultivator ; that in a grazing country like England, from 
which large sums are annually sent for foreign oil- cake, the 
growth of linseed on a limited scale must be highly remune- 
rative. It is proved by the various crops which have been 
grow^n in the district, that in productiveness Mr. Warnes' esti- 
mate is borne out. It has been tried on all sorts of soils; on 
Mr. Cubitt's sandy loam at Witton ; on Mr. Partridge's moor, 
at Hockham; on Mr. Warnes' stiff soil, at Trimingham; on 
Mr. Atkinson's clay loam, at Walcot ; on Mr. Amies' and Mr. 
T. Allen's light soils, at Frettenham and Buxton. The pro- 



I 



28 



FLAX -DRESSING. 



dace, where proved, is nearly the same, from five to six coombs 
per acre ; Mr. Atkinson's exceeding six coombs two quarters, 
an! the others above five coombs, which, considering many 
disadvantages, sufficiently realized the most favourable antici- 
pations, and warranted a more enlarged cultivation of the crop. 

As to the amount of employment which the growth of flax 
would create, it is not so easy to speak. But even if that dif- 
ference only amounted, as Mr. Gower has stated, "to the dif- 
ference between the price of foreign linseed and that of our 
own growth, and which would have to be paid out of the poor- 
rate," it is most material. From Mr. Norfor's observations, 
it is fair to infer that the rippling and scutching of flax 
would give considera,ble employment to females in the day, 
as well as preparing it for market in tlie winter evenings. 
We gather from the Irish Reports and other sources, that 
it is not necessary for flax, either before or after steeping, 
to be immediately prepared for manufacture ; on the con- 
trary, that it is better for being stacked and kept ; that its 
various modes of dressing would afford during the periods when 
labour is not rife — early in the spring and in the winter — con- 
siderable employment to those who Vvould probably be other- 
wise receiving parish relief. 

Having thus given as much information on the subject as 
our means have afforded, we must detail the proceedings which 
took place. It may be thought by some of our readers that 
w^e have leaned a little too much in favour of the suggestions 
Mr. Warnes has made. If we have done so, we feel that we 
have erred on the right side ; for although the novel nature 
of the feeding, and the institution of the society for the encou- 
ragement of flax-growing, ought to receive the closest investi- 
gation, we still think that a proposition which has been carried 
to its present extent with so much perseverance, and involv- 
ing such important results, should also be met by great encou- 
ragement, particularly Avhen a part of the proposition has been 
proved to have so well succeeded. 

About three o'clock the company collected from the various 
parts of the ground, and assembled in the booth, to consider 
the desirableness of forming a society to extend and improve 
the cultivation of flax. it 



PROCEEDINGS AT THE FARMERS' CLUB. 



29 



E. WoDEiiousE, Esq., M.P., was called to the Chair, and 
in opening the proceedings, said, if a knowledge of the subject 
respecting which the meeting had been convened was required 
in the chairman, he was not the person who should preside ; 
but in common with every one present he felt that the culti- 
vation of flax was a matter of deep interest, and therefore he 
would not detain the meeting with any lengthened observations 
of his own. He had taken the chair in obedience to Mr. 
Warnes' wishes, and would call upon him to state his views. 
(Applause.) 

Mr. Warnes rose and said — I rejoice that the time is ar- 
rived to which I have looked forward with so much anxiety. 
I rejoice at finding myself surrounded by so large an assembly, 
in number far exceeding my most sanguine expectations. 
But, above all, I rejoice at beholding gentlemen, whose ad- 
vantages of education, station, and circumstances, qualify 
them so well to take a comprehensive view of those plans 
which I shall have the honour of laying before them, and also 
to afford that vigorous assistance which alone can ensure suc- 
cess. Suffer not the obscurity of the individual addressing 
you to serve as an excuse for withholding your sanction and 
support. Remember that the greatest results have more 
often followed the exertions of the weakest advocates, than 
those from whom greater things were expected. Therefore, 
at least for once, let it be said that a prophet has honour in his 
own country. 1 stand not here to advocate any selfish claim, 
but to lay before you ideas which have occupied my mind for 
some months past, arising from the difiiculties into which the 
agriculture of this country is plunged by the alteration of the 
corn-law and of the tariff, involving alike the interest of the 
landowner, the occupier, and the labourer. Sir, we are ar- 
rived at a crisis fraught with alarming consequences to the 
community, such as render it the duty of every man who has, 
or thinks he has, a remedy to propose, boldly to come forward 
and declare it. Upon this principle I venture to claim your 
attention for a short time. There are some things connected 
with the late enactments over which we can exercise no con- 
trol ; but there are others over which we most certainly can. 



30 



AUTHOR ADVOCATES THE 



For instance, we cannot prevent the miller from purchasing 
foreign wheat — the baker from purchasing foreign flour — the 
merchant, barley — or the manufacturer and the mechanic, 
meat. But we can control the indirect purchase of those very 
articles in the shape of foreign manure and of foreign cake. 
I hold in my hand a pamphlet in which I have endeavoured 
to point out the way to become independent of foreigners for 
artificial food for our cattle^ and manure for our land, to which 
I beg to refer you. It would be bad taste were I now to de- 
tain you with details which I trust you will read at your 
leisure. I do not expect that they will be followed all at once, 
but I believe that in proportion as they are adopted, the in- 
jurious effects of the corn-law and the tariff" will be materially 
obviated. No one has a right to complain who will not refuse 
to purchase indirectly those articles, the direct introduction of 
which he so much condemns. But we are not now assembled 
to discuss the merits of the cattle- compound versus foreign 
oil-cake; our object is to take into consideration the de- 
sirableness of forming a society to extend and improve the 
growth of flax. For this purpose have these specimens been 
collected from various growers, principally between North 
Walsham and Norwich. They are placed before you in order 
that the discussion may in some measure be assisted by the 
practical illustration which they afford. There is nothing 
very striking in the appearance of those sheaves beyond their 
novelty. But when we inquire into their properties and the 
various uses to which they can be applied to the service of 
man, we are struck with v/onder and admiration. The seed is 
called linseed, and is, of all food yet discovered, the most 
fattening when judiciously given to cattle. Even the refuse, 
as you are aware, is, when made into cake, of considerable 
value; and the oil, when mixed with white lead, surpasses 
everything else for preserving wood. The chaff* will be found 
serviceable as manure, and as food for horses. I had some 
put on a small part of a field, by way of experiment, that was 
about to be sown with turnips, and was in all other respects 
treated as the rest of the field ; the spot on which the chaff" 
had been thrown was decidedly the best^ and with respect to 
its value for cattle, I will read an account from this little 



INTRODUCTION OF THE FLAX-CROP. 



31 



pamphlet, as it so fully corroborates my own experience : " I 
purchased an old and poor cow, the worst in the market giving 
milk, which did not exceed two quarts per day. I commenced 
with one bushel of the chafF, which weighed 31 lbs.: at the 
end of one week she was giving four quarts. I then gave her 
two bushels per day, and at the end of three weeks she was 
giving from eight to nine quarts per day, and continued to do 
so as long as she was fed on this kind of food, which was given 
morning and evening, steamed, with a feed of turnips in the 
middle of the day, and 2 lbs. of hay between each feeding. 
The animal became sleek, and she got into a good condition, 
but not fat. At the end of the sixth week she was fed, like 
the other cows^ on cut hay with sheaf corn steamed with tur- 
nips, three feeds a day and hay between, when she fell off 
gradually from her milk to four quarts a day, which she con- 
tinued for three months, and then got into good condition. 
It thus appears to me that there is nothing like flax-seed 
chaff for giving milk, it is so light, and contains so much of 
album aceous matter." The way in which this and other 
documents relating to the growth of flax came into my pos- 
session appears so remarkably providential, that I cannot 
forbear mentioning it. A society was formed in Ireland last 
year similar to that I wish to see established in this country. 
I had seen some extracts from its proceedings, but wanting 
more authentic information, Mr. Bacon, jun., kindly undertook 
to obtain it. Accordingly a letter was despatched to Mr. 
Skinner, the Secretary. That gentleman, however, had seen 
an account of our having grown so many acres of flax, and 
anticipating our lack of knowledge in preparing it properly 
for market, sent a small parcel of pamphlets and papers con- 
taining the required particulars to the 'Norwich Mercury' 
office, with a letter to the Editor, strongly advising the form- 
ation of a Flax Society here, and urging him to promote so 
desirable an object through the influence of his (the ' Mer- 
cury') paper. Now Mr. Bacon, jun., and Mr. Skinner, were 
perfectly unacquainted with each other, and therefore it must 
at least be looked upon as a very singular coincidence that 
one gentleman should have been writing in England for 
certain papers and documents which the other was at the 



32 



AUTHOn ADVOCATES THE 



same time engaged in forwarding from Ireland. Thus the 
parcel crossed the letter of application on the passage between 
the two kingdoms, and safely arrived at Norwich. This 
interesting occurrence affords a striking illustration of that 
warm-heartedness for which the Irish have ever been so famed, 
and is a further proof of the advantages to be derived from 
our correspondence with that friendly nation. It appears 
from the paper which I hold in my hand that the same as- 
sistance and information which the Flax Society of Ireland 
obtained at considerable expense from Belgium, may be acquired 
by us at much less inconvenience and cost. I v»'ill read it : — 
" The term of the engagement of the Belgian labourers having 
expired, three of these men are about setting out for their 
own country ; but we learn that some of them are so well 
pleased v.ith Ireland that they are willing to re engage with 
any party, for a month or two, who may require their services, 
on more moderate terms than those that induced them to 
come over." — (Hear, hear.) There can be no doubt but that 
these men will readily come over to England upon the same 
terms as thej accepted from the Irish.* Nothwithstanding 
the immense advantages derived from the seed, cake, oil, and 
chaff, evidently the greatest centre in the fibre. There are 
only two specimens of flax on the table which I have not seen 
when grov/ing, and mostly on soils varying materially in 
quality. The sheaf which I now take up was grown by 
the Hon. Mr. Rous of Worsted Hall, on land of first-rate 
quality, but badly prepared for sowing. The next is a sample 
from the estate of the Right Hon. Lord Wodehouse, at 
Witton. When I tell you that the land is barely worth 
eighteen pence an acre to rent, you can form a pretty correct 
idea of its quality ; and 3"et observe here is an abundance of 
seed, and although the stalk is short, yet so exquisitel}^ fine 
is the fibre, that the eye can no more discern the finest parts 
when drawn forth than it could the floating cobweb. I hope 
that our noble friend and member of the North Walsham 
Farmers' Club will order another trial to be made on similar 
land next year, with the addition of some manure to the 



* Two of the men referred to are now at work upon mj premises. 



INTRODUCTION OF THE FLAX CROP. 33 

soil, which was not applied by the occupier. I must now call 
your attention to the wrought flax, a specimen from my last 
year's crop. It was brought to the state in which you now 
see it in Yorkshire. Mr. Burton, from that county, paid me 
a passing visit last summer, to examine my crops of linseed 
with others in the neighbourhood. He expressed himself 
surprised and gratified at what he had seen, and strongly 
advised us to persevere in our attempts ; and as a proof of his 
sincerity, he took back in the same steam-packet with himself 
a bundle of flax-stalks, had it prepared, and sent to this 
meeting for general inspection. I lately had some conver- 
sation with Mr. Pierce, a very intelligent gentleman, who 
is at the present time residing at Norwich, and is, I believe, 
an assistant tithe-commissioner. From the observations made 
of our soil, and from long experience, he emphatically declared 
that we ought to turn our attention to the cultivation of flax, 
and, could he attend our meeting, he would strongly enforce 
the subject upon our attention. Gentlemen, possessing as we 
do a soil and climate equal to any part of the world for the 
cultivation of flax, and this crop being prized by foreigners 
so much above all others, and termed their golden crop, I 
can see no earthly objection to our striving for a little of that 
precious commodity ourselves, instead of allowing the Belgians 
to line their purses at our expense. There is one subject to 
which I have but slightly alluded, namely, to the employ- 
ment which the cultivation of flax would afford the poor, than 
which a greater or more important object cannot engage the 
minds of men. The noblest epithet bestowed on man is that 
of Patriot ; but can he be called a lover of his country who 
neglects the interests of the poor? I make not these obser- 
vations to court popular applause — I disdain it — indeed how 
can I, in advocating the finding employment for the poor, fail 
of being benefited myself? If my advice is adopted with 
respect to the cattle-compound, I am sure of reaping a decided 
advantage in the higher price of corn. With respect to the 
growth of flax, I am sure for every shilling I put into the 
poor man's pocket, ten will be returned to my own. Useful 
and ^honest occupation for the labouring hand may almost be 
considered at this time the nation's desideratum. And yet I 

D 



34 



HIS VIEWS AKE APPEOVED 



learn that there are annually sent out of this kingdom from 
ten to twenty millions of money to purchase flax, cake, and 
oil, &c., all of which could be produced from the resources of 
our soil and from the employment of our own rather than 
foreign labourers. The Irish have established a society to 
promote and encourage the growth of flax ; and it is difficult 
to imagine upon what pretence objections can be made to the 
formation of a similar society in this country, which would 
have for its object the advancement of our own interests 
through the employment of the poor. To accomplish so de- 
sirable an aim, our legislature have for years held consulta- 
tions and established laws, all of which have failed. What 
they have laboured for in vain, you have now an opportunity 
of eff'ecting. Reject not the singular felicity of pleasing all 
parties, for should our endeavours be crowned with success, 
our senators will rejoice to find themselves delivered from the 
endless fatigue of framing poor laws. The philanthropist will 
rejoice to see his countrymen emancipated from union work- 
houses, alike vexatious to them and burthensome to us. The 
Christian philosopher will rejoice to see the labouring man 
once again occupied in earning his bread by the sweat of his 
brow, according to the original and wise decree of Heaven ; 
and lastly, how great will be the rejoicing of those innumerable 
poor who languish in idleness, in misery, and in poverty, for 
the want of that aid which it is in your power to grant. 

H. C. Partridge, Esq-, had the honour of moving a resolu- 
tion, but heartily wished that it had fallen into the hands of some 
one else more able. They had all heard Mr. Warnes' clear and 
satisfactory statements, and which had relieved him, Mr. Par- 
tridge, from going into details. — He could have given little in- 
formation on the subject under consideration. Mr. Warnes had ( 
given ample details respecting the growth of flax in that neigh- 1 
bourhood. The matter had been a great deal talked of and 
discussed : and they were all acquainted with Mr. Warnes' 
suggestions and statements. Everybody would allow that it 
should be an object of the farmer to increase his produce at the 
least expense. He (Mr. Partridge) knew no better way than 
by obtaining an ample and cheap supply of manure. Mr. 

m 



BY VARIOUS GENTLEMEN. 



35 



Warnes said that cattle can be fed at home without the heavy 
expense of foreign oil-cake. If a proper and sufficient supply 
of fattening materials could be obtained at home^ it was most 
desirable. There had been a perfect glut of barley. From 
the new compound a greater proportion of manure could be 
obtained than at present. If every farmer grew linseed to mix 
with barley, his supply of manure would be greater than if he 
had to apply to a neighbouring merchant. As to the growth 
of linseed^ they had seen the specimens that had been grown in 
that neighbourhood, and therefore there was no lack of inform- 
ation. He (Mr. Partridge) had his attention drawn to it by a 
paragraph in the newspaper. He immediately ordered a small 
portion to be sown in very bad land. One or two of the specimens 
of the produce had been exhibited, and, as far as Mr. Partridge's 
judgment went, it was a crop that would pay better than any 
crop of corn that could be grown. In conclusion, he moved — 

" That as the soil and climate of England are highly suitable 
for the growth of Flax, it is resolved that a Society shall be 
formed to promote the cultivation of that important plant in 
Norfolk, having for its object the advancement of Agriculture, 
and the finding of employment for the poor." 

Mr. NoRFOR seconded the resolution. He considered that 
they were deeply indebted to Mr. Warnes for having turned 
his attention to the subject. He (Mr. Norfor) had spent much 
time abroad, and had made particular inquiries into the Agri- 
culture of Belgium, where flax was grown to a considerable 
extent. In the rotation of crops flax was introduced to a con- 
siderable extent^ and was considered a valuable crop. In one 
part of the country in particular, women were to be seen in the 
day time at almost every door breaking flax, which in the 
evening they prepared and manufactured for market. If the 
growth of flax were introduced under a proper system, he saw 
no reason why it should not prosper in this country. In Bel- 
gium flax was grown for the double purpose of seed and fibre, 
but they considered that the flax was never so valuable as when 
it was pulled in the green state. When they pull the flax 
green, they take off the seed and ripen it in the sun. Taking 
the value of the seed at the present price, 255. per coomb, it 

D 2 



36 



SIR T. F. BUXTON MOVES A KESOLUTION. 



must be a profitable crop ; but if the value of the flax Avere 
added, it would make a considerable addition. 

The Chairman then put the resolution, which was carried 
unanimously. 

Sir T. FowELL Buxton, Bart.^ said that Mr. Partridg-e, in 
the course of his address, had stated that he was not possessed of 
information on the subject. He had also come there to listen 
to what passed, and to learn. He was certainly very much 
gratified at Avhat he had seen, and at what he had heard from 
Mr, Warnes, but he was not quite so much pleased as Mr. 
Warnes, when that gentleman had pointed out how, by the 
growth of linseed and the consumption of barley in the com- 
pound, the price of the latter would rise to fifteen shillings, 
from thence to eighteen, until it reached the good old times of 
a guinea a coomb. Now to a man who consumed about one 
hundred thousand quarters annually, this contemplated rise 
offered no very pleasing prospect. (Laughter.) But among 
the benefits and advantages to be derived from the growth of 
linseed, there was none in which he was so deeply interested as 
that which Mr. Warnes had stated with regard to its employ- 
ment of the working classes. Upon that point he would not 
yield to any one. — There was no doubt but that employment 
was required for the population, and that it ought to be found 
for the labourers, by those who have the means and ability to 
promote it ; and therefore he hoped, that taking the question 
on this ground, there would be found to be no difference 
of opinion as to the resolution he should move — That as 
funds will be required to further the ends of the Society, it is 
resolved that a hst be now opened for donations and subscrip- 
tions, and that the public be invited to unite in furthering the 
laudable objects of the Society." He (Sir Fowell) thought 
they were all under great obligations to Mr. Warnes, and the 
least they could do would be to provide the means by which 
the society was to be carried on. 

W. BuRROUGHES, Esq., said the subject had been so well 
discussed, that he should content himself with merely moving 



FORMATION OF THE FLAX SOCIETY. 



37 



the followingTesolution — " That the Society shall be conducted 
by a President, Vice-President, Committee, Treasurer, and 
Secretary." 

Mr. H. Playford had great pleasure in seconding the 
motion, which was carried nem. con. 

The Chairman said, in compliance with a suggestion from 
Mr. Warnes, he would recommend that the Meeting be 
adjourned to the Bear Inn. But he must avail himself of that 
opportunity of expressing, in common with every person 
present, the great pleasure he had experienced in hearing the 
statements made by Mr. Warnes, and he was gratified also 
with the corroboration these statements had received from 
others. The Hon. Gentleman was convinced that there never 
was a subject more deeply interesting nor more important to 
the^welfare of this country, than the one which had been dis- 
cussed. The present was a critical time for all engaged in 
agriculture. It seemed to him, that the proposed cultivation 
of flax held out a fair prospect of remuneration ; and there was 
that above all other considerations, the prospect of removing the 
difficulty of providing permanent employment for all descrip- 
tions of labourers. He was convinced that it would provide per- 
manent employment for them. He begged pardon for having 
made these remarks, and moved that the further consideration 
of the subject be adjourned till after the dinner. 

The further proceedings were adjourned to the Bear Inn, 
where between five and six o'clock, about a hundred and fifty 
gentlemen sat down to dinner. A large number were unable 
to obtain seats at the table. All the speeches were directed 
to the objects of the Meeting. The utmost harmony and 
cordiality prevailed. The Hon. W. R. Rous accepted the 
office of President of the Society for the Growth of Flax ; 
Sir T. F. Buxton, Bart., that of Vice-President ; and Messrs. 
Gurney were appointed Treasurers. The selection of a Com- 
mittee and Secretary was deferred till a suflRcient-number of 
subscribers were obtained. 



38 



THE HON. W. R. ROUS EXPLAINS 



The prominent part that I was induced to take in promotingf 
the formation of the Norfolk Flax Society originated from my 
having incidentally sown an acre of land with linseed for the 
purpose of obtaining a substitute for oil-cake, not being aware 
that linseed and flax-seed were synonymous. But after I had 
discovered the real properties of the plant, and the employ- 
ment that it would afford, I considered it an imperative duty 
to call public attention to the subject in every possible way, 
and I urged upon Mr. Rous the desirableness of convening a 
Meeting at Norwich ; accordingly, he published the following 
letter, addressed — 

To the Noblemen, Clergy, Gentry, Yeomanry, and others interested 
in the prosperity of the County of Norfolk. 

My Lords and Gentlemen, 

The precarious state of my health rendering it extremely 
problematical whether I shall be able to attend the ftrst 
Meeting of the Flax Society on the 6th of January, I have 
begged the indulgence of the Press to circulate these few 
remarks as to the objects of this Society, and the grounds on 
which it rests its hopes of success. 

The objects of the Society are — 

Firstly. — By a partial alteration of the rotation of crops to 
increase the annual profits of the cultivators of the soil. 

Secondly. — By the introduction of flax, the culture of which 
affords considerable employment to women and children, to add 
to the scanty earnings of the agricultural labourer. 

The third object we have in view is to open a new source of 
employment for the manufacturers of the city of Norwich, and 
, thus to relieve the distress so prevalent among the industri- 
ously-disposed poor of that ancient city. 

Such, my Lords and Gentlemen, are the objects of this 
Society. It is for you to decide whether they are worthy of 
your support ; for without that general support, of which we 
deem it worthy, this Society must cease to exist. It may 



THE OBJECTS OP THE SOCIETY. 



39 



justly be expected that I should be prepared to show the 
grounds on which we presume that flax can be profitably grown 
in this county, for unless that point is established, of necessity 
the whole scheme must fall to the ground. 

Now it has been proved by upwards of forty experiments 
in the neighbourhood of North Walsham, that the various 
soils and the climate of that district are peculiarly favourable 
to the growth of seed, for which alone the flax has hitherto 
been cultivated. — It may, however, be safely assumed that 
the cultivation of the plant, for the sake principally of the 
flax, will be equally successful ; and here I may as well state 
that Mr. Atkinson, of Walcot, threshed out at the rate of six 
coombs two bushels of seed per acre, and that he has been 
oflered forty shillings a cwt. for the straw when slightly pre- 
pared. We may in fact suppose good flax grown, and that we 
have only to find a market for it. — If we should unfortunately 
be disappointed in finding a linen manufactory established at 
Norwich, we have a ready market at Leeds or Belfast, where 
they can take all we can grow, and^ if properly prepared, at a 
great price. All that we have to do is to overcome the 
diflfiiculty of preparing the flax for the manufacturer, and this 
can only be done by employing foreigners, well versed in the 
art, to instruct our labourers in the mysteries of steeping, 
scutching, &c. Our object, therefore, at this moment is to 
raise a sufiicient sum of money to bring over as soon as possible 
intelligent foreigners to ensure our success. If, as I expect, 
the cultivation of flax should be on an extensive scale, a pro- 
portionably large sum will be required ; but we must not be 
niggardly in furthering a grand undertaking, and I trust we 
may rely on the assistance of every patriot and of every philan- 
thropist who can afford it. 

In two years our labourers will be masters of the art of 
managing the flax. The Society may then dissolve itself, and 
those who have forwarded this scheme for the benefit of many 
may joyfully remember that they have added one to the num- 
ber of their good works. 

In conclusion, my Lords and Gentlemen, I earnestly beg 
your attendance at the meeting on the 16th. You will then 
have an opportunity of hearing from that energetic and excel- 



40 



THE NORFOLK FLAX SOCIETY HOLDS ITS 



lent gentleman, Mr. Warnes, who has spared neither time nor 
labour nor money in making himself master of the subject, a 
full account of the mode of growing flax in Ireland, a clear 
exposition of our own prospects if we adopt its culture, and 
much other interesting information on the subject. 

I have only now, my Lords and Gentlemen, to apologise for 
the liberty I have taken in addressing you. Let my anxious 
desire for the public good plead my excuse. 

I have the honour to be. 

Your obedient Servant, 

W. it. Rous. 

Worstead House, December 6th. 



EXTRACTS FROM THE NORWICH PAPERS. 

NORFOLK FLAX SOCIETY. 

The First Annual Meeting of this important Association was 
held on Friday, 6th January, 1843. Our readers will recollect 
that this Society was first formed and established at North 
Walsham, under the presidency of the Hon. W. R. Rous, and 
under the most favourable auspices. It was intended to em- 
brace all the landed proprietors and farmers bf both divisions 
of the county, and ultimately to be extended throughout the 
country, the object being of the greatest national importance, 
to promote the cultivation of a plant for the produce of which 
vast sums of money are annually sent abroad. It was well 
ascertained and demonstrated at the North Walsham meeting, 
that our own soil and climate are equal, and perhaps superior, 
to any in the world for the growth and perfection of the plant, 
and that its cultivation was generally more profitable than that 
of any other crop ; all that was wanted to enable our farmers 
to fatten their cattle with native instead of foreign produce, 
and to supply our manufacturers with a raw material of which 
they consume such large quantities, being the application^ at 
home, of the same skill and care in the cultivation and prepa- 
ration of the crop that the people of the Continent, especially 
in Belgium, bestow upon it. At the meeting on Friday, the 



FIRST MEETING IN ST. ANDREW's HALL. 41 

attention of a large number of the leading Agriculturists of 
the county was called to the importance of the Cultivation of 
Flax, both as an article of manufacture and as producing a 
seed, the fattening properties of which for cattle have been 
fully tested. The preliminary proceedings took place in Span- 
ton's Booth, on the Castle Meadow, where a numerous company 
of Noblemen, Gentlemen, and Farmers assembled to witness 
the method of forming linseed into compound to fatten cattle. 
A variety of crushing-machines and steam apparatus for pre- 
paring the food were seen at work. A brick structure had 
been erected with boilers, steamers, troughs, &c., similar to 
what was exhibited at North Walsham. 

Meeting in St. Andreios Hall. 

Soon after one o'clock a large number of gentlemen began to 
assemble in St. Andrew's Hall, and inspected the numerous 
specimens of linseed, flax in straw, and prepared flax, and also 
manufactured articles there exhibited, which were spread out 
over two long tables, in the centre of the hall. 

About two o'clock the chair was taken by the Hon. W. R. 
Rous, President of the Society, who was surrounded in the 
orchestra by many of the first gentlemen in the county. The 
numbers in the body of the hall continued to increase till the 
termination of the proceedings ; and amongst those present we 
noticed — 

The High Sheriff" of the County (W. H. Windham, Esq.), 
the Lord Lieutenant of the County (Lord Wodehouse), the 
Lord Bishop of Norwich, Lord Hastings, Lord Berners, Lord 
Colborne, Hon. and Rev. the Dean of Norwich, Hon. and Rev. 
Robert Wilson, Hon. and Rev. Armine Wodehouse, Hon. W. 
R. Colborne, M.P.^ Sir Wm. Beauchamp Proctor, Sir Edward 
Stracey, Sir Edmund Lacon, Sir J. P. Boileau, Edmond Wode- 
house, Esq., M.P., Edward Fellows, Esq., M.P., N. Bacon, Esq., 
F. Astley, Esq., Josias Stracey, Esq., John E. Lacon, Esq., H. 
J. Stracey, Esq., N. Micklethwait,Esq., W. E. L. Bulwer, Esq., 
F. W. Keppel, Esq., Wm. Burroughes, Esq., Colonel Mason, 
H. S. Partridge, Esq. T. R. Buckworth, Esq., A. Hamond, 
Esq., Champion Partridge, Esq., Captain Ives, Captain 
Cubitt, W.Norris, Esq,, J. Scott, Esq., T. Dolphine, Esq., C. 



42 



THE OPENING ADDRESS OF 



Tompson, Esq., J. S. Muskett, Esq., T. G. Tuck, Esq., W. 
Gilbert, Esq., R. W. Parmeter, Esq. J. Postle, Esq., H. 
Francis, Esq., J. Warnes, jun., Esq., R. Wright, Esq., Rev. 
Canon Surtees, Rev. S. Jodrell, Rev. Dr. Sutton, Rev. T. P. 
Slapp, Rev. S. Pitman, Rev. J. Hurafrey^ Rev. G. Fauquier, 
Rev. J. Bulwer, Rev. E. Postle, Rev.* A. Keppel, Rev. J. 
Holmes, the Mayor of Norwich, Messrs. Roberts, Atkinson, 
S. Abbot, jun., Allen, Bennett, Baker, Bidwell, Burton, Bur- 
rell, Barcham, G. Brown, Bygrave, Cubitt, Gower (Dilham), 
Gedney, Harvey, Garnham, W. Howes, S. Lock, J. Hewlett, 
Barton, Moss, Gillett, Mayes, Hart, Land, Read, Rudd, Howes, 
Rust, and a large number of other most respectable and influ- 
ential occupiers. 

The Hon. W. Rous said — In opening the business of this 
Meeting it will not be necessary for me to enter into any 
lengthened details of the objects of the Flax Society: those 
objects have already been sufficiently explained in various 
letters in the county newspapers, and have also formed the 
subject of several articles written with great force and ability 
by the editors of our valuable journals. In a word, this 
Society seeks to add to the happiness and security of the com- 
munity by advocating a plan which, if adopted, promises to 
be beneficial to all classes, and especially to the poorer classes, 
by providing for them increased valuable employment. Nor 
is it desirable that I should occupy your time by any details 
on the art of growing flax, or on the spirited mode by which 
we hope to attain immediate perfection in the cultivation of 
that plant. Those details will be much better explained to 
you by my friend Mr. Warnes, whose zeal in the cause of 
benevolence demands your esteem, and whose knowledge on 
this subject will doubtless obtain your serious attention. I 
shall therefore confine myself to a short statement of the 
exciting causes which produced the flax agitation. Firstly — 
the knowledge of the vast sums of money annually sent out of 
the country for the purchase of adulterated oil-cake, urged 
many gentlemen to attempt a discovery of some efficient sub- 
stitute, the produce of our own soil. After a series of experi- 
ments by Mr. Warnes, which were afterwards severely and 
accurately tested by many gentlemen of the North Walsham 
Club, it was proved to demonstration, that a compound of 



MR. ROUS, THE PRESIDENT. 



43 



three parts barley and one linseed, or three parts beans and 
one linseed, was vastly superior to the oil-cake then in use. 
In fact, that, at last year's prices, 20/. spent in compound 
(besides the contingent advantages of home labour) was equal 
in its effects to 30/. laid out in cake. The next step was to 
grow the linseed. In that we also succeeded, and the object 
we then had in view was accomplished. Altered circumstances 
enlarged our views. The national voice demanded that food 
should be furnished to the consumer at a cheaper rate, and the 
legislature passed certain Acts of Parliament to produce the 
result. It would be foreign to the purpose of this Meeting, 
and an impertinent waste of your time, either to eulogize or 
to condemn those acts of the legislature. Sufficient it is for 
me to say, that those whose subsistence depends on agriculture 
were obliged to make these inquiries — How are we to preserve 
the same relative position in society as formerly ? How are we 
to provide for our families, and how can we continue to employ 
the agricultural labourers at reasonable wages, which is our duty 
and which we earnestly desire to perform ? Two modes present 
themselves. One mode is, to increase the quantity of our 
saleable commodities by an improved system of cultivation, 
and a careful selection of stock. Another mode, that which we 
venture to recommend instead of the first, is to substitute 
some crop of considerable surplus value, in lieu of some of 
those which are now losing crops. If the new remunerating 
crop requires increased labour in its cultivation, so much the 
better. If it furnishes a new channel of employment to the 
manufacturing population, it combines every possible advan- 
tage. The originators and supporters of this Society have 
tried many experiments, and have sought all the information 
within their reach, and have come to the conclusion that the 
cultivation of flax, both for seed and manufacture, is likely to 
be profitable to the grower and to give that increased employ- 
ment which is so desirable. They, therefore, have summoned 
this Meeting for the purpose of recommending the adoption of 
flax-growing generally, and of calling on those who hold the 
same opinion as themselves to assist them in furnishing the 
means of employing competent instructors, so that we may 
grow flax in the greatest perfection, and turn it to the greatest 
profit. — Gentlemen, I thank you in the name of the Society 



44 RESOLUTION MOVED BY THE AUTHOR. 

for the patient attention which you have bestowed on my 
feeble address — I thank 3-ou also in the name of the poor^, 
whose cause we especially advocate. May it never be for- 
gotten, that without the just employment of the poor there 
can be neither happiness nor even security without stringent 
cruelty in any community. If, gentlemen, I have not made 
any apology for the inefficient manner in which I occupy the 
honourable post to which you have elected me, be assured the 
sole reason is, that I would not occupy your valuable time by 
unproductive truisms. 



Mr. Warnes then spoke nearly as follows : — Mr. Chairman, 
my Lords and Gentlemen, allow me to read the resolution 
which I have the honour and privilege to move : — 

" Resolved, that as the Norfolk Flax Society aims at the 
advancement of agriculture, the renovation of trade, and the 
employment of the people, it is the opinion of this Meeting 
that such laudable designs ought to be vigorously and imme- 
diately adopted by every Englishman who has the interest of 
his country at heart." 

The magnitude of these objects deserves a more able advo- 
cate. In no part of the kingdom is that advocacy more 
needed than in the county of Norfolk and in the city of Nor- 
wich. Gentlemen of the county and of the city, I claim your 
support at the first annual meeting of our Norfolk Flax 
Society, in order that the objects to which my resolution refers 
may be carried into effect, and the evils consequent upon an 
unemployed population be alleviated, if not entirely removed. 
The great and aggravated distress to which thousands of our 
fellow-creatures are reduced, has occupied the serious attention 
of all reflective minds in every grade of society, — in Parlia- 
ment and out of Parliament, in Church and State, from the 
highest authority in the realm down to the humble individual 
who now stands before you. Did not the Queen, in her address 
to Parliament, express the deepest sympathy for her suffering 
people? and direct that measures should be adopted for their 
relief? Have not both Houses of Parliament taken these 
sufferings into consideration, and failed in the endeavour to 



HIS SPEECH IN ADVOCACY OF THE FLAX CAUSE. 



45 



find a remedy ? It is true, the Poor Laws afford a temporary 
relief, but they oflPer no cure for the national disease. The 
wound still bleeds, and will continue to bleed until the bread 
of idleness is displaced for that of honest industry. Gentlemen, 
I firmly believe that it is in our power to heal this wound by 
the simplest of all means, namely, the cultivation of flax. This 
will find employment for the people, and prove a remedy that 
legislators have failed to discover. And when we consider 
that too much land, money, and labour are appropriated to 
the growth of turnips and of barley, I think we may justly 
assume that a partial substitution of flax, upon these grounds 
alone, will be a very profitable crop to the farmer ; and 1 ex- 
pect that we shall hear no more of a starving population and 
of burdensome rates. Tlie market for labour is over-stocked ; 
and as the poor man has nothing else to offer, he is compelled 
to accept the lowest rate of wages. Under our present mode of 
husbandry his position can never be altered, nor his condition 
mended. But by an alteration of that mode in the way pro- 
posed, wages would advance, agricultural produce become of 
more value, and trade revive ; because, with adequate wages, 
our labourers would be enabled to purchase those articles 
at our shops which are supplied by the manufacturers of 
Norwich, Leeds, Sheffield, Birmingham, Manchester, Stafford- 
shire, Stroud, and many more. In this way would they con- 
tribute to the maintenance and support of many thousand 
artisans, whose only hope, in fact, rests on the prosperity 
of agriculture. These, in their turn, would become greater 
consumers of farm produce, and, by the united employment 
of town and country, the consumption of home produce and 
of home manufactures would be immense. Thus should we 
emerge from our present difficulties, and England live again ! 
Gentlemen, let it be our endeavour to cherish that which 
every Briton ought to hold most dear, namely, his native land. 
Let us stir up her latent resources, and carry out those de- 
signs to which the Providences of God have so clearly directed 
our attention. I'he soil and climate of this country are 
evidently adapted to the growth of flax. The superiority of 
the seed to fatten cattle is placed beyond a doubt. The acre- 
able value of linseed is equal to the average value of other 



46 



THE author's speech 



crops; but no calculation can be made of its worth when 
converted into cattle-food, both as respects the return in the 
shape of meat, and the productiveness of the land on which the 
manure is spread. With respect to the intrinsic value of the 
fibre, I am not prepared from experience to offer so decided an 
opinion. I have, however, taken some pains to obtain the best 
information upon the subject during the past two years. For 
this purpose, I lately went to Ireland, where every possible 
facility was offered me of examining the soil, the farmers' 
method of preparing flax for market, and every other process. 
From all that I saw, and from all that I heard, I cannot doubt 
our ability to grow flax of a quality equal to that of any part 
of the world. You have all inspected the numerous specimens 
of linseed and flax placed upon the table. The seed grown 
by ourselves is justly acknowledged to be superior to the fo- 
reign. Mr. Demann, of Belgium, now present, is quite sur- 
prised at some of the specimens which he has seen. Under 
proper tillage and preparation, his opinion is that we shall 
ultimately excel. I have placed before you the most ordinary 
as well as the most costly manufactured flax : though by no 
means in such variety as might be produced, yet sufficient, 
I trust, to convince you of the demand there always must be 
for the raw material. And when we consider that six millions 
are annuallj^ sent out of this countr}' by our manufacturers to 
purchase flax, and millions b}^ our farmers to purchase oil- cake, 
at ?ai enormous profit to the foreign farmer, I think we need be 
under no apprehension about a market for our flax, or con- 
sumption for our linseed. The consumption of cord and twine 
in this city, merety to tie up parcels and [packages, amounts to 
many hundreds a yesLV ; and from inquiries at some of the 
shops, I think that I might have said thousands. To supply 
this demand a large breadth of land would be required every 
j^ear to be cultivated for flax. If so much be required for 
Norwich, I leave you to imagine how many acres would be 
needed for the great city of London, without taking into calcu- 
lation the consumption of these articles in the rest of the 
kingdom. Some employment in this line may be found for 
our people ; but instead of spinning twine, I trust the time is 
not far distant when the citizens of Norwich, famed for their 



IN ADVOCACY OF THE FLAX CAUSE. 



47 



exquisite ingenuity, shall, be employed in manufacturing the 
finer articles, and become as unrivalled in the splendour of 
their damask linen, as they now are in the elegance of their 
shawls. Then may we expect happier times for Norwich ; and 
shortly have to congratulate the city on the impetus given to 
her damask trade by large orders from Windsor Castle. That 
this will be the case I have not the slightest doubt. For as the 
county of Norfolk intends to grow flax, the city of Norwich 
ought to manufacture flax ; as Norfolk has formed a society to 
promote the growth of flax, Norwich ought also to form a 
society to promote the manufacture of flax. Gentlemen of the 
city, your forefathers, whose pictures so thickly adorn these 
walls^ laid the foundation of many a noble structure that tended 
to advance the glory and interest of your ancient town. Let 
it be your endeavour to imitate their example ; and though a 
failure attended the recent attempt to perform a good work 
in the erection of a yarn manufactory, you must not consider 
that attempt as altogether frustrated, so long as the building 
remains to be appropriated to the manufacture of flax. Gentle- 
men of the county, the cultivation of flax will, undoubtedly, 
occasion a partial revolution in our present system of farming; 
but this ought rather to be a cause of congratulation than of 
alarm ; for the ship in which we have sailed so long is about 
to founder ; let us, therefore, l^il the present opportunity 
of embarking in a new one. To carry out the designs of the 
Flax Society properly and efficaciously, considerable funds 
will be required. I think that it will take at least four 
years before the country can be so firmly established as to do 
without the assistance of a society. The Irish Flax Society is 
not likely to close its labours in much less time ; and, there- 
fore, I do not see how we, who have every thing to learn^ can 
conclude our operations in a shorter period. But amongst 
the numerous societies established in England, where is there 
one that offers the prospect of concluding its labours in four 
years ? Considering the paramount importance of our society, 
none can be compared to it more than the shadow can be 
compared to the substance. Ours is the machine whose main- 
spring is labour, which sets all our institutions and societies in 
motion. Give but work to the poor, and from their earnings 



48 



THE FLAX -MARKET AT TANDRAGEE. 



will they continue to be, as they ever have been, the largest 
contributors to our missionary and other philanthropic institu- 
tions. For the want of employment the funds of many societies 
are falling off ; and our churches and chapels are neglected, 
because the poor can neither pay their accustomed contributions, 
nor appear in decent clothing on the Sabbath-day. As a cor- 
roboration of this melancholy statement, I refer to the report 
of the City Mission, to your working Clerg}", and to the excel- 
lent Minister of Catton New Church. Ought not this lament- 
able condition of our countrjnnen to stimulate us to relieve 
their wants ? — wants that require no legislative enactments or 
government interference to alleviate, but a cordial union of 
heart and hand in the working of our Flax Society. Already 
the corn-law has reduced the price of bread ; but of what avail 
is the cry of cheap bread to those who have no money to pur- 
chase it ? And how is money to be had without employment ? 
and where is employment to be found ? Not in Norwich, where 
so many branches of her manufactures have, from different 
causes, become extinct ; nor yet in the country, where the 
produce of land so ill remunerates. It is only to be found in 
the cultivation of flax: this will speedily solve the difficulty, 
because it will find employment in the field and work in the 
city. The effect of this measure must inevitably tend to advance 
the rate of wages, maintain the value of British property, and 
preserve that proud position in the scale of nations which we 
have so long enjoyed. It will only require a few months to 
prove the accuracy of my predictions ; for if the country will 
afford the necessary support, the seed will be sown in April, 
the flax will be ready to pull in July, and the crop, if need be, 
prepared for market in August. Hundreds of hands will be 
required to pull and harvest the crop, and thousands more in 
the winter months to thresh out the seed from the stalks, to 
crush and form it into cattle-compound, and to prepare the 
flax through all its stages for market. Methinks I see the flax- 
market at Norwich like the Thursday market at Tandragee 
which I lately witnessed in Ireland, and the farmers busied in 
selling flax, and putting the ready money in their pockets. 
It was a cheering sight, but not a very brisk day ; yet flax to 
the amount of three thousand pounds was sold by farmers whose 



FLAX-GROWING IN THE MIDDLE AGES. 



49 



occupations were all extremely small, not one of which, as I 
understood, exceeded fifty acres. Who can contemplate such 
a glorious return of national prosperity without feeling a desire 
to participate in the reality, and a determination to afford the 
means ? To carry out this great, this all-important cause, the 
first step must be to engage a person of experience to teach 
our people the art of managing flax — Mr. Demann is ready 
to undertake the office. We have about fifty acres of flax of 
last year's growth, which can be concentrated in some conve- 
nient spot, where pupils from various parts may be sent to 
acquire a knowledge of the business, and become qualified, on 
their return, to teach others ; and, under the superintendence 
of the Society's agents, to manage the future crop. In the 
course of three or four years we shall produce flax of the first 
and most profitable description; and thus will be laid the 
foundation of a system, which, as years roll on, shall add to the 
wealth, independence, and prosperity of our country. 

Sir Edward Stracey came forward amid great applause, 
and seconded the motion. He -said, that although in conse- 
quence of his infirm state of health he was not able to address 
the meeting at any length, yet he could not refrain from calling 
attention to the subject matter under discussion, which he con- 
sidered to be of the utmost importance not only to the agri- 
culture, but also to the manufactures of this country. (Hear, 
hear.) As it was a very cold day, he would not detain the 
meeting a great while; he would merely observe that flax- 
growing had been established and protected by statute in this 
country from the time of Henry VIII. and Elizabeth to the 
reign of George III. Till the middle of the reign of George 
III. flax was cultivated and assistance was given by the legis- 
lature to that cultivation ; but about the middle of the reign 
of George III. cotton was introduced, and the consequence was 
that flax vanished from use. And what had the cotton manufac- 
ture done ? It had subjected the agriculturist of this country 
to the payment of enormous sums of money for foreign food 
used in fattening cattle, and had beside transferred our trade 
to Russia, which country now supplies us with flax and hemp 
for cordage. Mr. Warnes had explained at length the skill 



50 RESOLUTION PROPOSED BY LORD WODEHOUSE. 

and ingenuity exercised in the manufacture of flax much better 
than he (Sir Edward) could be expected to do, and he would 
therefore not occupy their time any longer. The whole country 
was greatly indebted to the county of Norfolk — for what ? why 
for turnips ; and in the cultivation of that valuable plant now 
submitted to their notice, he trusted that the county would 
set an example to the whole of England, and that the farmers 
of Norfolk would come forward to promote the cultivation 
of flax, and thus be the means of saving some millions now 
sent annually abroad. He hoped the county of Norfolk would 
set a noble example that Avould be followed by the rest of the 
country. Let us (said Sir Edward) pride ourselves in being 
the leaders in this movement, and then huzza for the county 
of Norfolk. I shall not detain you longer, because Mr. Warnes 
has explained the whole subject to your entire satisfaction, and 
I beg leave to second his resolution. 

The Right Hon. Lord Wodehouse rose and said he had 
been requested by the President to propose a resolution — • 

" That as the soil and climate of England have been proved 
to be suitable for the growth of Flax, and as the mode of culti- 
vation in Belgium is a system that increases the value of the 
plant to an incalculable extent ; it is the opinion of this meeting, 
that the best possible means be adopted to carry into effect the 
designs of the Norfolk Flax Society." 

The Noble Lord continued — I should be most unjustifiable 
if I detained 3^ou at any length. I can promise 3^ou that I will 
make only a few remarks on the subject under discussion. I 
confess to you that I have devoted little of my attention to this 
subject, but I have heard enough and read enough to be con- 
vinced of its great importance in every respect, not only in 
giving increased and permanent employment to the poor, which 
is the chief consideration, but also in I'egard to the cultivation 
of flax as a most valuable crop, and perhaps as much as any 
thing supplying a cheap manure, thus being calculated to save 
large sums of money. But the only subject I wish to urge is 
this, — that the whole county should adopt the cultivation of flax 
systematicalljT^ ; that it will be advantageous to have many local 



FLAX OUGHT TO BE EXTENSIVELY CULTIVATED. 51 

societies ; that the county be formed into districts, but not too 
many of them, to follow up the plan suggested by Mr. Warnes. 
(Hear, hear.) We are greatly indebted to the President of 
this Society, to Mr. Warnes, and to all who have interested 
themselves in this matter, for the great pains they have taken 
in bringing the cultivation of flax to the perfection it is about 
to be brought to. I sincerely wish them success, and trust that 
their designs will be fully accomplished. 1 hope that no time 
will be lost, and that funds will not be wanting to carry out the 
great designs of this Society to perfection. I will not trouble 
you further. — The Noble Lord sat down amid great applause. 

The Hon. and Rev. R. Wilson said — I rise to second the 
resolution moved by my Noble Friend. When it was first 
suggested that I should do so, I felt a difficulty in agreeing to 
it, for I felt on this subject I was quite ignorant ; but on 
inquiry I found that we were likely to be all learners, and 
should not be expected to offer you information upon it ; I 
therefore no longer hesitated. When 1 considered the object 
of this Society, several things induced me to believe that it 
would be of the greatest advantage to this county, and to the 
country generally. If we take up extensively the cultivation 
of flax, we shall be enabled to supply the markets and manu- 
facturers with that article. I hope this will induce a better 
feeling between the manufacturers and the agriculturists. We 
have been grieved to see a considerable degree of ill-feeling 
between the parties. It appears as if there were a jealousy 
between them, each thinking the other has too great a share 
of the profits of business in this country. I hope that by a 
more intimate connexion between them as flax-growers and 
flax-consumers, this ill-feeling will be removed. I have no 
doubt that, by the growth of flax and by the use of the seed 
in fattening cattle, we shall be enabled to retain in this country 
a great amount of capital which we have been compelled to 
send abroad in the purchase of oil-cake. I have always felt a 
strong disposition to support all agricultural societies, for many 
reasons. By an improved system of agriculture we may be 
enabled to produce as much corn, probably, as we may require 
for home consumption, — thus making our old England inde- 

E 2 



52 



BOTH FIBRE AND SEED VALUABLE. 



pendent of the crops of other countries and climates for the 
daily supply of that necessary article, corn, required for sub- 
sistence : and I think that, by the cultivation of flax, we shall 
also be able to produce animal food for the market at a lower 
cost to the consumers, and we may thus see the consumption 
of meat introduced more into our cottages. That, I think, 
will, to a great extent, increase the comforts of the population 
of this country. Allow me to state another reason for pro- 
moting the growth of flax — a reason which appears to me a 
good ground for contributing to the support of this Society, 
and which induces me to hope that it will receive general 
encouragement : I mean the object of providing increased em- 
ployment for the population. If we can promote the culti- 
vation of any crop which will at once remunerate the occupier 
of the soil and afford increased employment for the population, 
that system should be adopted, as being of the greatest advan- 
tage to this country. For these reasons you must see with 
how much pleasure I second the resolution. 

H. C. Partridge, Esq., came forward and said, — I have the 
honour to move a resolution by permission of the Chairman, 
but I will not trespass on your time by treating on matters 
referred to by Mr. Warnes and by the other gentlemen who 
have addressed you. All who had the pleasure of being at the 
meeting at North Walsham, and those who have seen the spe- 
cimens of flax exhibited this day, can have little, if any, doubt 
that the soil and climate of this country are suitable for the 
growth of that crop, or that it can be beneficially cultivated. 
The crop is not only beneficial to the farmer as a crop by itself, 
for you will see that it becomes, by proper cultivation, a most 
valuable crop ; but in regard to the seed also, which has been 
proved will be a good and ample means of fattening cattle, 
and as affording a plentiful supply of manure for the land. 
(Hear, hear.) The growth of flax should not only be regarded 
for the value of the fibre and seed, but also as a means of bene- 
fiting the land; for no one will doubt that the farmer will use 
a plentiful supply of what he grows himself, and therefore the 
landlords will not object to it. No one will put his hand into 
his pocket for that which he can himself produce on his own 



PRICE OF FLAX. 



53 



land. These are not the only benefits to be derived from the 
cultivation of flax. What to every good heart must seem most 
desirable, and must rejoice at, is, its providing employment for 
the poor. You have heard of flax being manufactured in this 
county, and this must employ a great number of hands ; and 
there can be no one who is not delighted that a profitable 
means of employ for the poor has been discovered. I feel sure 
that I need say no more to recommend the cultivat'on of flax, 
but as I have been alluded to by Mr. Warnes, who has shown 
a sample of flax in straw, grown on poor land, I wish to say 
that what Mr. Warnes has stated is perfectly correct in regard 
to the land being almost worthless. The land from which it 
came is of the worst description, as it has never been manured, 
and has been generally under water. I hold in my hand a 
specimen of flax produced from similar straw, and this has 
been produced by some men in the parish of Lopham, and 
according to what a gentleman present has stated, it is worth 
from 55/. per ton. This would buy the land many times over. 
There can be no doubt that the growth of flax must pay better 
if cultivated according to the best rules and on the most modern 
principles. There can be no doubt that this is done in foreign 
countries. The best method should therefore be adopted at 
the outset, as it will be of no use to go on blundering from one 
error to another. The object of the Society will be best carried 
out by employing competent, able, and efficient instructors, 
those who fully understand the business ; and it is therefore 
proposed to engage a competent person to give instruction in 
the various details. I will, therefore, move — 

''That as the objects of the Society will be best promoted by 
the employment of a competent instructor in the growth and 
manufacture of flax, a fund be raised by donations and annual 
subscriptions for that purpose." 

E. W^oDEHOUSE, Esq., M.P., in seconding the motion, did 
not intend to enter into the subject at any length. Having 
received a letter requesting him to ascertain, by application to 
the Board of Trade, the amount and real value of foreign oil- 
cake consumed annually in this country, he had written to Mr. 
Gladstone for information on the subject, but in consequence 
of his beino' absent from London when the letter arrived, it 



54 



SPEECH OE THE BISHOP OF NORWICH. 



was impossible that an answer could be obtained on that day. 
Mr. W. expected to receive it in a day or two, and would take 
care to have it sent for publication in the county papers. He 
could add. both with reference to himself and colleague^ that 
nothing could give either of them greater pleasure and satis- 
faction, than being instrumental in promoting an object of such 
paramount interest, under the circumstances in which the agri- 
culture of this country was placed. 

The Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of the Diocese said, he 
had been requested to undertake the pleasant duty of moving 
a vote of thanks to Capt. Rous, for the able manner in which 
he had filled the chair on that important occasion, and for 
giving so much of his time in promoting the objects of the 
Society, to improve the agriculture of Norfolk for the benefit 
of all concerned therein. His Lordship could not pretend to 
give any opinion on the important subject submitted to the 
consideration of the meeting. This only would he say, that 
all experiments in agriculture, especially those connected with 
science, should be encouraged to the utmost extent and in 
every possible way. His Lordship would cordially acknow- 
ledge himself a friend to experiments. Ninety-nine cases out 
of a hundred might fail, but if one experiment answered its 
purpose a great object was gained ; and in science there was 
this advantage, that if an experiment failed in one instance 
for any purpose, there might be gain in another. It should 
never be forgotten, that there was not a single fact or experi- 
ment that could be thrown away, for what failed in one point 
might be gained in another. Thus in regard to the cultivation 
of flax, — suppose it should be found that flax exhausted the 
soil, and this, the Lord Bishop understood, was the principal 
objection to its cultivation ; yet, in this age of science and experi- 
ment — in this age, when Chemistry was brought into constant 
operation, how did they know that they might not be led to 
some more important facts, the knowledge of which might tend 
to improve the nature of the soil, and introduce new manure 
that would prevent its exhaustion ? If they failed in producing 
flax in its utmost perfection, they might gain in manures. 
Therefore every farmer and every person interested in agri- 
culture should try the experiment, looking only to present 



IMPEDIMENTS ARISE. 



55 



advantage. On these grounds, said the Lord Bishop, I return 
thanlis on behalf of this meeting to Captain Rous^ and most 
heartily do I wish success to any experiment whatever, that 
may tend to promote the agriculture of Norfolk and the 
interests and advantages of the lower orders. (Applause.) 

The Hon. W. R. Rous begged to return thanks for the 
handsome compliment^ and particularly to the Lord Bishop for 
the manner in which he had proposed the vote, and could 
assure him that there was no occasion on which he (Capt. 
Rous) would so gladly receive the compliment, especially from 
one in his lordship's station, as head of the Church in this 
district. He believed the cause in which they were all engaged 
was not merely for the benefit of landowners and tenants, but 
also for the interest and advantage of the poor ; and when he 
saw the head of the church in this diocese, with the Dean and 
others of the Clergy present, coming forward to support the 
Society, he could not help thinking that their presence and 
sanction was an important recommendation. (Applause.) 



The meeting then dispersed, and I thought that I had been 
the happy instrument of laying the foundation of a system, 
which, as years rolled on, should add to the wealth, indepen- 
dence, and prosperity of our country." But the foundation 
itself was already being undermined ; and I soon experienced 
the disappointment too commonly inflicted upon the advocate 
of a good work." For, on the following morning 1 discovered 
that my chief corner-stone had been removed from its place, 
and that I could neither build upon, nor restore to its former 
position. That is to say^ the Hon. Mr. Rous refused to carry 
out the principles upon which the Norfolk Flax Society was 
formed^ and in which he had taken so conspicuous and praise- 
worthy a part. 

We met to form a committee of management, assisted by 
the Hon. and Rev. Robert Wilson. The first proposition was, 
that I should accept the office of secretary, at 50/. a-year, 
which I refused, offering my services gratuitously, and, as 
honorary secretary, to co-operate with a committee composed 
only of gentlemen of intelligence. I required, as the first step, 



56 



MR. KOUS PANIC-STKICKEN. 



according to the recommendation of Lord Wodehouse, " that 
branch societies should be formed, in order that the whole 
county might adopt the cultivation of flax systematically, and 
contribute to the funds of the parent society." Upon this, my 
original design, as will be seen by referring to the speech of 
the noble lord, I grounded my hopes of success, knowing that 
it would be impossible to introduce flax- culture extensively 
without branch societies, and funds to defray the expenses of 
instruction. 

An individual more celebrated for conceit than for good 
sense, observed, that " If farmers were to reap all the benefits 
that I promised, they were not entitled to pecuniary assistance 
for instruction, and that subscriptions were therefore unne- 
cessary." Mr. Rous also opposed the extension of the Asso- 
ciation, wishing to confine its operations to the immediate 
neighbourhood of North Walsham. 

It was in vain that I urged the dishonourable position in 
which we should both be placed with all who had taken part 
in the proceedings of the previous da3^ It was in vain that 
I warned him against the expending of money in a locality 
that was subscribed expressly for the county.* In vain I 
referred my ardent supporter of yesterday to his early inves- 
tigation of my pains, and to his intimate knowledge of every 
circumstance connected with my advocacy of the Flax Cause ; 
to his letter addressed to the " Nobilit}', Clergy, Gentr}^ Yeo- 
manry, and others interested in the prosperity of the County 
of Norfolk ; " and to his speech so lately delivered in St. An- 
drew's Hall. 

These, and many other arguments, I employed to induce 
Mr. Rous to resume his original position, I repeat, in vain. 

The Hon. Gentleman had, unfortunately, over-night, fallen 
into company prejudiced against the flax movement, whose 
suggestions and influence over a nervous frame and vacillat- 
ing disposition, operated too powerfully to be counterated by 
my remonstrance.f 

Subsequently, the President requested me by letter to con- 

* The donations on the platform amounted to nearly 200/., exclusive of 
annual subscriptions. 

t " A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways." 



HIS LETTER TO THE AUTHOR. 



57 



veiie a meeting of the subscribers, for the purpose of proceed- 
ing with the business of the Association. Accordingly, the 
day was appointed, and a committee formed, which I pro- 
nounced too inefficient to succeed ; and therefore desired that 
Sir John Boileau, Bart., John Lacon, Esq., of Ormsby, and 
Mr. Lemon, of Whitwell, should be added to the number ; — 
gentlemen whose philanthropy and ability had been proved 
on various public occasions. 

Unfortunate in my endeavour to obtain this acquisition, as 
in everything else that I proposed, I still resolved to carry 
out, if possible, the designs of the Society, with the very feeble 
coadjutors appointed me ; with what success the following 
correspondence will best elucidate. Nor will Mr. Rous com- 
plain of its insertion, but rather feel grateful for my forbear- 
ance in not having added the remainder. 

Wednesday, 8th March. 

My DEAR Sir, 

I WAS truly sorry to hear that no progress was made 
last week by the Committee in the labours of the Society; 
and more so, because the check arose from some difference 
between yourself on the one hand, and the rest of the Com- 
mittee on the other hand, as to the proper mode of conducting 
the business of the Society ; and particularly with reference to 
the expenditure of the funds of the Society. 

1 do sincerely hope that you are free from any unfounded 
impression that the Committee undervalues your honourable 
character, or the high services which you have rendered the 
public. You may be assured that every individual of that 
Committee duly appreciates your labours. 

Let me beg of you to take it into your calm consideration 
that the Committee has been regularly appointed for the sole 
management of the business of the Society and of the Society's 
funds. The Committee is responsible to the subscribers for 
every shilling expended ; it is therefore but reasonable that it 
should be the sole authority for contracting debts. 

On all points connected with the business of the Society, I 
am certain that the Committee will gratefully lend you a will- 
ing ear, and will give all the weight to your recommendations 



58 



MR. ROUS'S LETTER AND 



which is due to the zeal you have shown in a good cause, and to 
the information you possess. For myself, I most earnestly 
hope that you will consent to assist the Society as far as you 
can in accordance Avith the necessary duty of the Committee. 

Pray do not take it ill if I remind you that an individual, 
however talented, can do no good alone ; but only through the 
confidence which others repose in him. If the farmers near 
North Walsham had not proved your experiments, all your 
writings would have been in vain. If the landowners had not 
backed your proposal for a Flax Society, you might have 
talked for everlasting to empty benches. What could Caesar 
have done without troops, or what could the Duke of Welling- 
ton have done without the support of the Government ? And 
although the troops would have done less without their 
generals, the generals would have done nothing without their 
troops. 

You are now in this position. If you act in unison with the 
wishes of the lohole Committee, you can do a vast deal of good 
to the country, and you will have a further claim on public 
gratitude ; if you withdraw your services, you will obstruct 
for a time the progress of the Society, and diminish the obliga- 
tions we oAve to you. 

I have written thus candidly, both from a regard to your- 
self, and from a deep interest I feel in the welfare of the 
Society. 

I remain, yours truly, 
John Warnes, Jun., Esq. W. Rous. 



Dear Sir, March 10. 

Allow me to thank you for your friendly, cautionary, 
and very interesting letter; and also to beg that you will 
accept my apology for troubling you with an answer, as 
I shall so soon, I hope, have the pleasure of meeting you at 
Norwich. 

In withdrawing from the Committee of the Norfolk Flax 
Society, nothing was further from my intention, as I repeatedly 
avowed, than to withhold my assistance, or the slightest par- 
ticle of information that I possessed, from the Society. Nor 
had I any desire whatever to control the funds of the Society 



THE author's reply. 



59 



beyond the repayment of certain incidental expenses of a trifling 
nature that might be occasioned in the daily working out of 
the business with which I was intrusted^ and that could not 
be foreseen on the committee-days. 

This discretionary power was denied. I then made several 
propositions to the Committee, in order to ascertain the real 
position in which I was placed. 

1st. That advertisements should be sent to the Norwich 
papers, informing the public when, and how, information was 
to be obtained. 

2ndly. That printed directions should be dispersed in the 
form of circulars, and others also, to invite gentlemen to join 
the Society. 

ordly. That, as Lord Wodehouse had recommended, accord- 
ing to my plan, as you will doubtless recollect, the establish- 
ment of local societies, I proposed that the attempt should be 
made ; and that in case it succeeded in augmenting the funds 
of the Society, the expenses incurred should be allowed. For 
instance, if 50Z. were obtained at the cost of two or three, that 
sum should be allowed out of the 50Z. 

To these propositions I received a tacit negative, except from 
Mr. Wilson, who said that he would pay the advertisement out 
of his own pocket, rather than authorize the incurring of any 
expenses. 

Thus bound hand and foot, justice required that I should 
be set at liberty, in order that I might act the part of an inde- 
pendent friend. 

With respect to your admirable similes, pardon my observ- 
ing that they do not exactly apply to me ; for, instead of the 
general of an army, I am the pilot of a ship, of which you are 
the captain. 

While steering the vessel through rocks and quicksands, 
your crew desire me to alter my course, and submit to their 
directions. I warn them of their danger ; but they still per- 
sist. I therefore resign the helm with honour, lest I should 
be involved in the disgrace of reducing the ship to a wreck. 
I have the honour to remain. 

Your obedient servant. 
The Hon. W. R. Rous. John Warnes. 



60 



THE author's letter TO 



The reader who may be disposed to trace the origm of the 
flax movement, will discover, in the rise and fall of the Norfolk 
Flax Society, much food for serious reflection. Those who 
may be inclined to regard this narrative as a digression, must 
be reminded that I was maligned in quarters where I had no 
access, but where the above letters will be the medium of con- 
veying my refutation. 

All parties, however, will agree in condemning the policy 
that excluded me from the Norfolk Flax Society, who alone 
was able to conduct it ; in proof of which, justice demands a 
comparison between my present flourishing flax establishment 
at Trimingham and the dying embers of the Norfolk Flax 
Society, best conveyed through the following letter addressed 
to the editor of the ' Norfolk Chronicle — 

Sir, I 
Several years have elapsed since the meeting of a society: 
that I had been instrumental in forming, took place. It was 
called the "Norfolk Flax Society," and was held in St. An- 
drew's Hall, Norwich. ^ 

Present were the Lord Lieutenant and the Hisfh Sheriff of 
the county, the Bishop of Norwich, with a large assembly of 
nobilit}^ and gentry. 

I had the honour of moving the first resolution, to the effect 
that Jiax-culture, as a ineans of employment to the poor, ought to he 
vigorously promoted by every true lover of his country. 

The success of my advocacy, on that memorable day, was 
of short duration ; for, in less than twenty-four hours after the 
meeting separated, a cloud, charged with mischief, arose to 
mar the bright prospects that I had so recently depicted. 

Eventually, I resolved to pursue alone that path, which I in 
vain pointed out as the only way to success. 

The cloud is now removed; my work complete j and the 
unobstructed sun of prosperity shines upon the flax cause ; the 
two main points that I endeavoured to enforce, viz., profitable 
employment to the poor and reduction of rates, being clearly 
established. 

I now invite all thoughtful, prudent, and philanthropic 
persons to visit Trimingham, in order that they may see how 
far I have carried out the spirit of my resolution, and witness 



THE NORFOLK CHUONTCLE. 



61 



the realization of the above statements, with the happy effects 
of constant work at adequate wages. 

They will also discover that if flax had been cultivated to 
the extent, and in accordance with the plans I recommended, 
every parish in the county might, at the present time, have 
been rendered as free from rates as Trimingham ; where one 
quarter's poor-rate only, of the past three, at 2d. in the pound, 
has been required for the support of the infirm, and for Union 
charges : all hands being employed in dressing flax that would 
otherwise have been maintained in idleness. As a proof, 
Mr. Brown, who has greatly contributed towards the elucida- 
tion of this subject, left his farm at Michaelmas, engaged 
a^nother at Rackheath, and took his flax with him. In conse- 
quence, several young persons were thrown out of employment ; 
some of whom were lately obliged to take refuge in the work- 
house, where they must still have remained, had I not received 
them into my flax establishment. 

To remove all prejudice would be to alter the construction 
of human nature : a thing impossible ! so innumerable are the 
secret springs of opposition. But, justice to the poor, whose 
cause I advocate, and for whose sake the Norfolk Flax Society 
was formed, demands the strictest investigation. I would 
therefore just observe, that the system of preparing flax for 
market is reduced to so great a certainty upon my premises, 
that I am now able to afford assistance to any part of the 
kingdom ; and that, under the instruction of Belgians from the 
celebrated Courtrai district, young men, women, and children 
have become expert flax-dressers, earning from 3^. 6c/. to 10^. 
per week. For instance, the wages of Thomas Siely, aged 13, 
exceed, upon the average, 65. a week. 

In conclusion, allow me to subjoin the copy of a letter, ad- 
dressed to a nobleman on another part of my advocacy, of the 
utmost importance to the agricultural interests of the country ; 
and to say that I this week sold seven bullocks, fattened ac- 
cording to the system recommended, from the resources of my 
own farm, that paid 771. for less than six months' keeping. 

My Lord, 

The people in this neighbourhood were once as stub- 
born and as stiff"- necked as those who inspect your bullocks, 

k 



62 



THE author's letter TO 



nor would they acknowledge the superiority of the compound- 
feeding system, till they had themselves reaped the profits I 
described. Now, they are a pliant, communicative, and I wish 
I could add a grateful, race. 

But I am richly rewarded by the testimonies of an extensive 
and enlightened correspondence ; and it is with pleasure that I 
answer your lordship's present inquiry. I wish, however, first 
to observe, for the instruction of those parties who admit that 
your bullocks are doing well, and who will not allow the cheap- 
ness of the food upon which they are fattening," that linseed 
can be purchased at less money per ton than the best oil- 
cake. 

For instance, I was offered on Saturday at Norwich linseed 
at 435. per quarter, weighing 30 st., while oil-cake was 11/. lO^*. 
per ton. Now, where farmers are so prejudiced against the 
new system as not to perceive the superiority of the pure seed 
over the refuse formed into cake with all kinds of rubbish, no 
arguments can produce a contrary conviction ; and they must 
be left, till compelled by circumstances, like many in Norfolk^ 
to try the experiment. 

Your lordship will discover by the above prices, that linseed 
and cake are about \s. 5d. per stone each ; and that, if a com- 
pound of barley and linseed is made consisting of ^ seed and 
f barley at 9c?. per stone [at which price thousands of quarters 
may be purchased], it will amount to 71. 7s. per ton, exclusive 
of the water ; but, when that all-important ingredient is incor- 
porated according to the receipts in my book, the price will be 
reduced to 455. per ton ; and those who adopt only this part of 
my system, obtain five tons and a half of the incompai^ahle cattle- 
compound at the same sum which others give for a ton of com- 
parative rubbish. 

I do not say that the same effect will be produced from a ton 
of compound as from a ton of cake ; but I know of no instance 
where the superiority of the former has not been acknowledged, 
without taking into calculation the advantages derived by con- 
suming so large a proportion of native produce. 

My Lord, 1 thank you for having instituted an inquiry into 
this subject, which I should not otherwise have criticised so 
minutely, and which I shall expect to turn to some further 
use. 



THE NORFOLK CHRONICLE. 



63 



Hoping that I have succeeded in solving the problem con- 
tained in your Lordship's note, I have the honour to remain, 
your obedient servant, 

John Warnes. 

Feb. 16th, 1846. 

It is not my intention again to enter the lists of controversy ; 
and, in closing this more arduous part of my labours, I am 
abundantly gratified by the many expressions of benefits con- 
ferred, by the glorious prospects for the future, and by a mind 
conscious of right. 

Hoping that this letter may find a place in the columns of 
your paper, and in those of every patriotic journal in the 
United Kingdom, 

I remain. Sir, your obedient servant, 

John Warnes. 

Trimingham, Feb. \7th. 

Candour must now admit that, if I could achieve so much 
by unassisted effort, it is clear that, had I been supported by 
the funds of the Norfolk Flax Society and a patriotic com- 
mittee, every parish in the county might have been similarly 
circumstanced with my own ; and that, if Mr. Rous was jus- 
tified in. referring the ''nobility, gentry, clergy, and yeo- 
manry" to the vehement opposition overcome at North 
Walsham, I am equally entitled to direct their attention to the 
victory I have obtained over an opposition far more inveterate 
and systematic. 

I glory not, except as the instrument of unfolding a system 
that will enable the poor man again to live by the sweat of his 
brow, according to the original decree of Heaven ; and the rich 
man to confer upon him the greatest of all earthly blessings, 
constant work at adequate wages. 

If, as Mr. Burn shows in his letters on " Home Coloniza- 
*tion," the forty-six millions of acres now in cultivation are not 
suflficient to maintain the population, there are millions yet 
uncultivated that may be increased in value five thousand 
fold. It appears that there are forty-six millions and a half 
acres of land in cultivation, and nearly thirty-one millions un- 
cultivated : sixteen millions were reported by the Emigration 



64 



CULTIVATION OF WASTE LANDS. 



Committee to be profitable lands. Nearly the whole of the 
waste land in Ireland is reclaimable ; three millions of which, 
that are equal to five millions of English acres, can be brought 
to produce a rental of 11. per acre^ at an outlay not exceeding 
lOZ. per acre. Thus," says Mr. Burn, " in the cultivation 
of the land, Sheffield and Birmingham must send their spades, 
their pickaxes, and their draining tools ; the wheelwright must 
find ploughs, harrows, and carts ; the iron-founder must 
supply the plough-coulters and the axletrees; the saddler 
must put on the harness; Wolverhampton must supply its 
chains, Walsall its bits and ornaments; the carpenter must 
put up the gates with tools from Sheffield, and hang them 
with the hinges and padlocks of Staffordshire ; the hedger and 
ditcher who enclose the ground, and the ploughman who 
brings it into cultivation, are clothed by Stroud, Manchester, 
and Leeds; their hats come from Newcastle-under-Line, their 
half-boots from either Northampton or Stafford ; they take 
their breakfast out of a basin furnished by the Staffordshire 
potteries ; Sheffield finds the knife, Birmingham the spoon ; 
the merchant traverses the ocean to bring their coffee and 
sugar; the engineer finds a coffee-mill, in which the turner 
furnishes a handle," &c. &c. 

" The cultivation of the waste lands would undoubtedly 
subsist our paupers, repeal the poor rates, and enable the 
cultivators to afford provisions at such a price as would enable 
our manufacturers to compete with foreign nations, without 
ruin to the agriculturist, the government, or the public. Cer- 
tainly no remedy could be more injudicious than the clamour 
recently raised for the importation of wheat, as though we could 
draw none from our native soil. Even without making the 
attempt, we set ourselves down for ruined without the aid of 
importation. Like Rome, we conclude that we must find 
another Egypt to supply us with wheat. Why, the land of 
our fathers, which has fed us more than a thousand years, is 
now concluded to be ruined by an overwhelming population,, 
which, by the last census, is under twenty millions ! and a free 
importation, which would throw all the land in England out 
of cultivation, is said to be the only remedy! No wonder such 
an awful remedy should meet with a direct negative by the 



EFFECT OF FLAX CULTIVATION IN BELGIUM. 



65 



discerning few : for the opulent^ who alone could purchase, 
would be the only persons who could live ; all other classes 
without money would starve ; and the former^ who would soon 
find there was no public, would quickly be placed in the like 
predicament." 

The tenor of Mr. Burn's letter is to show that the cultiva- 
tion of a portion only of the waste lands might be made to 
yield infinitely more than would be sufficient to maintain all 
our pauper population, repeal the five millions of poor rates, 
and enable the manufacturer to become a successful competitor 
in the foreign market. 

Admirable as are the sound and practicable propositions of 
this true lover of his country, I must think that the plan of 
cultivating flax offers a relief more particularly suited to the 
present exigency than any other; because, wherever linseed 
is sown, in less than four months the redundant population 
might be employed in preparing the crop for market. So 
immediate would be the relief afforded ! I therefore advise 
all whose incomes depend upon farm produce to grow a small 
quantity this spring, in order that they may acquire some 
experience in the management of the crop. The seed alone 
will repay, and the experience gained prove helpful for 
the following year. Forty-five years ago the Belgians were 
in poverty and misery. Since that time the encouragement 
given to the growth of flax by England has so improved their 
condition, that scarcely any poor are to be found amongst 
them. Where villages formerly stood^ towns have been built 
up with British gold. And to show the extent to which 
money has been sent out of this country, in consequence of the 
encouragement given to foreign agriculture and to the em- 
ployment of foreign labourers, I beg to refer the reader to the 
letters of the Messrs. Marshall, where he will perceive that the 
average cost of raising and preparing a crop of the finer de- 
scriptions of flax for market is 13Z. 10s. per acre, including 51. 
rent, and the average value 23/. per acre, leaving a clear 
profit, independent of the seed, of 9/. ] Os. per acre. Now it is 
reported that the Messrs. Marshall annually import flax to 
the amount of one million sterling. Calculating the value of 
the flax at only 20Z. per acre, the gross quantity of acres 



66 PROSPECTUS OF THE NATIONAL FLAX ASSOCIATION. 



which this eminent house requires every year is fifty thousand. 
And when we remember that there are many other eminent 
firms in the kingdom that require proportionable quantities^ it 
may well be asked, How many thousand acres must be annually 
grown to supply the demand? I reply, nearly 500,000^ and that 
an extraordinary demand would be, directly and indirectly, 
occasioned for labour such 9,3 the redundant agricultural popu- 
lation could not supply. 

The most efficacious plan of extending the cultivation of 
flax throughout the kingdom would be by the reorganization 
of the National Flax and Agricultural Improvement Associa- 
tion^ of which the following is the prospectus : — 

National Flax and Agricultural Imj^rovement Association, formed 
for the purpose of affording Instruction and Assistance in the 
Cultivation of Flax, the Use of the Seed to Fatten Cattle, Box- 
Feeding, Summer- Grazing, Sfc. 8fc. 

The nobility, clergy, gentry, and yeomanry, are earnestly 
solicited to join this Association, which offers the prospect of 
finding immediate employment for a large portion of the re- 
dundant population, and of advancing the agricultural and 
commercial interests of the United Kingdom. 

The National Association was formed at Ipswich on the 3rd 
of November, 1843; on which occasion many specimens of 
flax and linseed of superior quality were exhibited from 
various counties, proving that the soil and climate of this 
country are peculiarly adapted to the culture of the plant. 

From a series of experiments made during the past four 
years, and now in extensive operation, particularly in Norfolk, 
it has been incontestably proved that a compound of flax-seed, 
with grain, pulse, or chaff, for fattening cattle, is far superior* 
to foreign oil-cake ; and if used in connexion with box-feeding 
and summer-grazing, \vill enable every farmer in Great Britain 
to fatten more than double his usual number of stock, and render 
him for ever independent of foreign aid, both for food for his 
cattle and manure for his land. Hence it will readily be seen that 
a more abundant supply of corn, meat, wool, leather, tallow, oil, 
flax and hemp, &c. &c., must be produced, and the merchant, 



APPEAL TO THE CO-OPERATION OF THE LADIES. 67 

the tradesman, the artisan, and the labourer, reap proportion- 
able benefits with the cultivators of the soil. 

A meeting of subscribers will shortly be convened, to adopt 
rules and regulations for the conduct and management of the 
National Association, based upon the following approved sug- 
gestions : — 

1st. That the existence of the Society be limited to the 
period of four years. That auxiliary branches be established 
throughout the kingdom. That instruction on the most im- 
proved method of husbandry, the cultivation and preparation of 
flax, the new system of grazing with compound, summer-feed- 
ing in boxes, &c. &c., be speedily and effectually dissemi- 
nated by the location of experienced labourers for a] few 
months where needed, in exchange for others to be taught on 
farms from whence those labourers were sent, that while some 
were communicating others would be receiving instruction. 
The wages of these men to be paid by their employers, and 
the cost of their journeys by the Society. That an interchange 
of visits be promoted between intelligent agriculturists of 
different counties, and gentlemen of leisure and patriotism, 
whose services in attending public meetings, and in conferring 
with interested parties, would be of the utmost importance. 
That a weekly paper, containing authentic information upon 
all important agricultural topics, be regularly forwarded to 
every subscriber, that through this medium correspondence 
might be conducted, intelligence conveyed, and scientific ex- 
periments recorded. That economy, expedition, zeal, and per- 
severance be the distinguishing features of the Society's pro- 
ceedings. And that no expenditure of time or funds upon 
yearly entertainments, or anything foreign to the direct object, 
be allowed. 

Ladies are also invited to afford their patronage to the 
National Association, because it is proposed through their co- 
operation to introduce the spinning and knitting of linen yarn 
in schools, orphan asylums, Magdalen^ and other institutions 
where employment is required ; and especially those finer c^di- 
lities oHiand- spun yarn for which our manufacturers of lace. 



* See Index for Flax-spinning School. 

f2 



68 



PLAN OF OPERATIONS. 



muslin, lawn, cambric, &c. &c., pay many thousands every 
year to foreigners ; and when it is understood that a woman 
can spin 20s. or SO^. worth of this description of yarn from 
sixpenny-worth of flax, the importance of introducing such a 
branch of business into the above establishments will readily 
be perceived. 

N.B. The National Association will be supported by an- 
nual subscriptions, donations, and guarantee sums — that is 
to say, subscriptions and donations will be immediately re- 
quired to set the machine in motion. But the guarantee sup- 
port will only be resorted to in case of a deficiency in the So- 
ciety's funds, and then only in such proportions as may be 
found necessary. i 

John Warnes, Jun., I 
Hon. Sec, 

Trimingham, near North Walsham, Norfolk, 



A few acres of linseed should be sown in different parts of 
a district or county, and on different soils, in order to ascertain 
those most congenial to the growth of the plant. The seed 
will abundantly pay for the experiment ; and although the 
straw will probably be ordinary the first year and the intrinsic i 
value small, yet for the purpose of teaching young persons the 
art of steeping, scutching, and preparing for market, &c. &c.,' 
its value would be great. The flax might be concentrated in 
some convenient place for water and for house-room; where 
an instructor could be stationed to teach active and intelligent 
youths. And thus a number of experienced hands would, soon 
be distributed, at a little expense, through the country. In- 
formation and instruction would also be circulated from one 
society to another, and in the course of three or four j^ears we 
should be rendered independent of foreigners for a supply of 
flax for our mills and oil-cake for our cattle. 

What a mine of wealth is here placed before the British 
agriculturist ! What a field is open for the exercise of his 
industry and skill ! Can he any longer suffer this mine to be 
worked and this field to be tilled by foreign labourers, while 
his own call upon him for work in vain ? The population 
daily increases to an amazing and alarming extent ; for if we 
cannot provide employment for the present, where can we find 



REMARKS OF STANISLAUS ON THE POLISH PEASANTRY. 69 

it for the future labourers ? The education of children is pro- 
posed as a remedy; but such a remedy, if our present cir- 
cumstances are to continue, would only increase the national 
difficulties ; because it is impossible to suppose that educated 
minds can be made to submit to the degrading operation of 
the Poor Laws. Strange anomaly! that the efforts recently 
made to improve the condition of the parents should have 
failed. Had those efforts been successful, the children could 
be educated at the cost of the parents, upon whom alone 
the real responsibility rests. It is surely the office of Govern- 
ment to protect the poor from oppression and imposition, and 
to see that they can obtain the means of rearing their families 
by their own exertions. 

How far the following pathetic remarks of the philosophical 
Stanislaus, King of Poland, are applicable to the present state 
of our poor, I must leave the reader to judge. Should they 
tend in any degree to ward off the calamities to which they 
refer, their insertion will not be in vain : — 

^' We may say with truth that the people are in a state of 
extreme humiliation. We must nevertheless consider them 
as the principal support of the nation. And I am persuaded 
that the little value we set on them will have very dangerous 
consequences. Who are they, in fact, who procure abundance 
in the kingdom ? Who are they that bear the burdens and 
pay the taxes ? Who are they that furnish men to our armies 
— 'who labour in our fields — who gather in our crops — who 
sustain and nourish us—who are the cause of our inactivity — 
the refuge of our laziness — the resource of our wants — the 
support of our luxury — and, indeed the source of all our 
pleasure ? Is it not that very populace that we treat with so 
much rigour ?" 

The fate of Poland is too well known to need any comments. 
To the superficial reader it may, perhaps, appear that I lean 
too much on the side of the poor; but the discerning mind 
will perceive, throughout every page, that, in advocating the 
cause of the poor, I have at the same time advocated the 
cause of the rich. And though I have called my pamphlet 
A Voice for the Poor," I might with equal propriety have 
called it "A Voice for the Rich." 



EXTRACTS FROM ANCIENT AND MODERN WRITERS 
ON THE FLAX CROP. 



The following extracts from ancient and modern writers on 
the flax crop will show that my own views and experience 
accord in a remarkable degree with those of former writers — 
writers who longed to see the day when their works, instead 
of being thrown upon the shelves of Agricultural Boards, 
should find that patriotic support which my present attempt 
has had the good fortune to obtain — writers who lived in 
times when the union of agricultural interests was never 
resorted to for the benefit of the community. Hence their 
constant recourse to Government, and their too frequent dis- 
appointment, which, I think, the failure of providing Great 
Britain with a supply of home-grown flax commensurate to 
the demand does most clearly exemplify. For it is evident 
that Parliament was not only convinced of the suitability of 
our soil and climate to the growth of flax, but also of the im- 
portant results that would accrue from its introduction into the 
routine of British husbandry. 

Flax was first introduced into England by the Romans. 
In 1175 it was classed amongst all titheable productions. In 
1531 a statute was enacted, requiring that, under certain 
penalties, for every sixty acres of land fit for tillage, one 
rood should be sown with flax and hemp-seed." * From that 
period to 1767 many unsuccessful attempts were made to 
extend and improve the cultivation and preparation of flax. 
In the latter year several thousand pounds were proposed to 
be divided amongst the successful cultivators of the plant. 
About the year 17y8 a bounty of 4<f. per stone was given to 
claimants for the growth of flax. ''In 1810 a new method of 
dressing flax was proposed by Mr. Lee, who not only patented 
the invention, but obtained an act of parliament by which the 

* In the register of Pulham St. Mary fines paid for the non-fulfilment of 
this law are recorded. 



EARLy LEGISLATION ON THE FLAX CROP. 



71 



specification of his invention was ordered to be deposited in 
the Court of Chancery, to be kept secret from the public for 
fifteen months, and then to be produced only by order of the 
Lord Chancellor, and by him to be examined whenever occasion 

required Messrs. Hill and Bundy, in the year 

1817, likewise patented an ingenious machine for breaking 
and rubbing flax 3 but though this was said to have consider- 
able merit as regarded its mechanical arrangement, the machine 
has not been found of greater practical utility than that of 
Mr. Lee." 

For centuries past the legislature made repeated attempts 
to establish an extensive cultivation of flax and an improved 
method of preparation throughout the kingdom^ without effect. 
The attempts to render us independent of other countries, 
however feeble and incomplete, savoured of sound political 
knowledge; for, had they proved successful, England would 
not now have been compelled to pay an export duty to the 
Belgian Government for the privilege of purchasing their flax 
— a duty that has only been imposed since the alteration of 
our tariff ; a circumstance that Englishmen in general^ and 
agriculturists in particular, ought well to consider, because 
the price of the raw material must necessarily advance, cause 
the home-cultivation to become a more lucrative business, and 
obtain for the cultivator a reward far exceeding any premium 
Government could offer. 

Now, w^hat legislators failed to accomplish in former periods 
has, within the last three years, been actually achieved in 
Ireland, through the instrumentality of the Flax Improve- 
ment Society of that country. Our sister kingdom can now 
vie with foreign states in the production of the finest and 
most profitable description of flax. This they effected by 
engaging first-rate Belgian instructors,^' and by sending young 
men abroad to learn the best methods of culture and after- 
management of the crop. 

The causes of failure in former times may be traced to 
various circumstances that do not now exist. In truth, many 



* Two of whom are now in my own '^serviee, viz. Jonas Clai'k and Joseph 
Fieux. 



72 



VALUE OF LINSEED. 



of those impediments against which our ancestors had to con- 
tend have long since been removed. They had but little 
incentive to engage in a new branch of business^ while with 
us it is much otherwise. Our forefathers were comparatively 
free from- the burdens that press so heavily upon the agri- 
culture of the present day, of which by far the greatest is an 
unemployed population. We find that no longer ago than 
the year 1781 the cultivation of flax was recommended on the 
score of increasing our population, by inducing numbers 
from the Continent to settle in England, as a great national" 
advantage."* And the landowners of Argyleshire are also 
reminded that " the richness or productiveness of their estates 
must depend more on the number of the people, than of the 
sheep, by which they are occupied. "j 

Formerly the value of linseed, and the chaff from the bolls 
as cattle food, was utterly unknown. Both were disregarded, 
and cast into the steeping-pits with the stalks. If a little of 
the seed were at any time saved, it was always sold to the oil- 
mill, never consumed on the farm. The only chance, therefore, 
of remuneration centred in the fibre. Hence the dreaded 
exhaustion of the soil, and the prohibition of its growth found 
in old leases. 

But to us flax is a double crop, the most important part of 
which is the seed. For, admitting that the fibre would obtain 
more money at market, yet the seed being consumed by cattle 
on the, land where grown, its influence is diff'used over the 
whole farm, and it returns to the pocket of the farmer a ten- 
fold greater profit in the shape of meat, corn, &c. 

In former times the exercise of agricultural skill and science 
w^as extremely limited; and, whether flax or wheat, the ex- 
hausting effects of a good crop were not easily remedied; 
now agricultural skill and science have advanced in an extra- 
, ordinary degree, aided by industry, learning, and chemical 
research, so that deterioration of soil consequent on any crops 
is no longer to be feared. Then sufficient hands were scarcely 
found to till the land ; now we have an overwhelming popu- 

* See letter signed Dorsetshire Gentleman, 
t Agricultural Survey of the County of Argyle. 



ANNUAL PURCHASES OF FOREIGN FLAX. 



73 



lation, to find employment for which all the skill of scientific 
men, and all the efforts of a powerful Government, are at a 
stand. 

It is to the indirect advantages of growing flax that I would 
attract public attention, because they are infinitely greater 
than the direct. Nor can they be rightly estimated till expe- 
rience has made them sure. The direct return in money is a 
trifle compared with the immeasurable benefits that must 
accrue from an employed population. I have shown in my 
writings the value of the flax crop in this and in foreign 
countries. Also, that five hundred thousand acres are re- 
quired to supply the demand of this country alone. Now 
when we consider how inadequately the soil remunerates 
under our present system of farming, and the consequent 
depression of trade, it surely must be acknowledged that the 
appropriation of such an immense breadth of land to the 
growth of this prolific plant would be attended with the most 
beneficial results throughout the kingdom. For instance, the 
average value of five hundred thousand acres of flax, inde- 
pendent of the seed, exceeds five millions of money. 

This enormous sum is annually sent out of England to 
purchase foreign flax of foreign farmers, to the employment 
of foreign .labourers, and to the encouragement of foreign 
agriculture. 

The scheme undoubtedly appears chimerical to many ; but 
it ought to be remembered that mankind is generally more 
hasty in condemning new theories than anxious to ascertain 
whether or not those theories are founded upon sound prin- 
ciples. 

Thus did the substitution of cattle-compound for foreign 
oil-cake undergo the ordeal of a vehement opposition; but 
now the opposers have become its most zealous advocates ; and 
I venture to predict that similar results will attend the culti- 
vation of flax. 

My motives for inserting extracts from the writings of 
others are to show the progress made in the culture of flax, 

* I tried the experiment upon three-quarters of an acre last year, 1846, that 
never produced any thing but furze, briars, &c. The plants, however, turned 
yellow at an early stage, and died. {See Index.} 



74 



MR. SOMERVILLE ON THE FLAX CROP. 



and to prove that my views and arguments are neither new 
nor visionary, but are borne out by the reasoning of powerful 
minds long since removed from the prejudices and politics of 
the present day. 

I select, first, from the ' Transactions of the Board of Agri- 
culture ' a letter written about seventy years since by Robert 
Somerville, Esq., of Haddington, in East Lothian. Had it 
fallen into my hands earlier it would have obviated much 
trouble^ but could not have been offered at a period more op- 
portune. He observed : — 

" Flax is an article so essentially necessary to the British 
Kingdoms, that it is a matter of astonishment the cultivation 
of it should be so much neglected_, and the management even 
of the small quantity that is cultivated so very defective. 

" The liberality of Government has, for many years, held 
forth great encouragement for promoting the growth and 
manufacture of this necessary article, by expending large sums 
in bounties ; notwithstanding which^ the object so much desired 
has by no means been obtained to the extent that could be 
wished ; the cultivation being still extremely limited, and the 
management in every stage, both of the culture and manufac- 
turing into flax, very defective. This is the more to be re- 
gretted, as there can be little doubt that immense quantities 
might be raised in Britain with little labour, and that too upon 
soils where hardly any thing else will grow ; and every part of 
the management, from the time of sowing till it is manufac- 
tured into flax, very easily taught to the country people. 

" The accomplishment of an object so truly desirable, would 
be attended with the most salutary effects, by affording em- 
ployment for an increased population, and materially lessening 
our dependance upon other nations. 

" The purpose of the following pages is, first, to give a general 
sketch of the present mode of cultivation and managing flax, 
then to enter into the detail of the principal operations, point 
out what appears defective in each, and offer some hints for 
improvement. 

No regular system is at present pursued by those who 
cultivate flax ; and very little attention is paid either to the 
nature of the soil upon which it is sown or the preparation of 



FLAX MAY BE GROWN ON POOR LANDS. 



75 



that soil: except in a few instances^ it is cultivated upon a 
very contracted scale, seldom more than an acre or two being 
in the possession of one person, and in many cases it does not 
exceed a half or a quarter of an acre, as may be seen by 
looking over the premiums awarded by the honourable board 
of trustees. 

In the present state of Britain, with regard to provisions 
and population, the question is of high importance, whether a 
part of the arable lands which are now actijowledged to be 
barely sufficient for producing a due proportion of grain and 
other necessaries of life, can with safety be withdrawn from 
that purpose and employed in any other way. Humanity as 
well as sound policy forbids the attempt ; the effect certainly 
would be that of enhancing the price of provisions, a calamity 
which has already been but too severely felt. This considera- 
tion, though it may deter proprietors and farmers from using 
their good arable lands in that way, does not preclude the idea 
of raising flax to a great extent ; at present there are immense 
tracts under the denomination of moors, mosses, swamps, 
wastes, &c., upon which flax and hemp may not only be suc- 
cessfully raised with little labour and at small expense, but 
the tillage and other operations given for the flax crops will 
greatly facilitate their improvement and put them in the 
proper train for the culture of grain, &c. 

It is well known to those who have had much experience 
in raising flax and hemp, that very large crops of both may be 
obtained from lands of the above description, not only with 
safety but advantage to the soil. Property of this sort is 
allowed to remain in a state of nature ; in some cases, from an 
idea that it is not worth improving, and in others on account 
of the great labour and heavy expenses of purchasing lime and 
other manures sufficient to render it fit for carrying grain. — 
Fortunately flax requires no such expensive preparation. 
Tillage alone, and the cost of the seed, are all that are neces- 
sary ; and the crop in general, when properly managed, will 
not only repay these, but afford a profit sufficient to enable the 
cultivator to purchase lime or other manures for his future 
crops. In that way a double benefit will result to the com- 
munity ; first by keeping great sums of money in the country 
that are yearly sent abroad, and at the same time furnishing 



76 



THE FLAX CROP IN HOLLAND. 



an abundant supply of an article that cannot be done without ; 
and secondly, by assisting and holding out an incentive for the 
cultivation of waste lands. 

" In a paper formerly presented to the Board of Agriculture, 
and which is now published in the report of their committee on 
the subject of potatoes, notice is taken of the ease with which 
that valuable root may be cultivated on waste and unim- 
proved soils, and the advantages that may arise from the 
practice pointed out. Perhaps the attainment of that important 
national object, the cultivation of waste lands, will be more 
promoted by the general introduction of flax or potatoes as 
first crops, than by any other means ; neither of them require 
any expense except seed and tillage ; they increase the ma- 
terials for several valuable manufactures, furnish a wholesome 
and nutritious article of food, afford a profitable return to the 
cultivator, and give employment to many hands. 

To those who are judges of the real interests of their country, 
the importance of what is above mentioned will be evident, 
even if the cultivation of flax were confined merely to supply- 
ing ourselves ; but perhaps the matter ought to be carried 
further, and Britain might soon be able to rival Holland, &c. 
in supplying other nations. The soil of this country is at least 
equally fertile, and the climate as genial as that of Holland or 
the provinces on the shores of the Baltic ; why then should the 
crops of flax raised here be more scanty, or the quality inferior 
to what is produced in those parts ? The only thing wanting 
seems to be a knowledge of the method of managing the crops, 
in which the British, notwithstanding every attempt to the 
contrary, are still extremely defective. 

" The quantity of flax raised in Britain is not only small, but 
the seed from which even that small quantity is raised is annually 
imported either from Holland or the Baltic, from an absurd 
and erroneous opinion that after seed has been once sown in 
this country the produce is unfit for that purpose afterwards. 
How such an idea came to be entertained at first it is difficult 
to imagine. Britain is well known to be famous for the growth 
of grain and other vegetables ; why then should it be incapable 
of producing flax, an article that thrives at great perfection in 
Holland and elsewhere, upon worse soils, and in much more 
inhospitable climates ? Were it a matter of which any doubt 



THE FLAX CROP IN HOLLAND. 77 

could be entertained, the subject is sufficiently important to 
entitle it to a complete investigation. To those, however, who 
are acquainted with the soil and climate of Holland, and other 
parts from whence flax is imported into this country, and who 
are capable of making a just comparison between them and 
Great Britain, such an inquiry will appear superfluous, as the 
advantage is decidedly in favour of the latter. 

The fact seems to be that the Dutch, who have been long 
in possession of that trade, and who have, in consequence, arrived 
at a higher degree of perfection in the management of flax in 
all the different stages, both of its growth and manufacture, 
are enabled not only to raise and dress it much better than we 
are, but can bring it into the market at a cheaper rate ; and 
as they have found it a most profitable article, they have in- 
dustriously propagated an idea, which has been as readily be- 
lieved in this country, that both the seed and flax raised in 
Britain are greatly inferior to what is produced in Holland. 

It must be admitted, that where the crop is cultivated for 
the sake of the flax only, it is generally separated from the 
ground at so early a period that the seed has made very small 
progress in ripening, and of course would, upon trial, be found 
very unfit for the purpose of sowing next year. While this 
practice {for which no reason that is completely satisfactory has 
yet been assigned) continues, a new supply of seed will be an- 
nually required; but I shall endeavour to show, in a subse- 
quent part of this paper, that with proper management, and 
without any additional expense, it is possible to unite the ad- 
vantages of well-matured seed and a valuable crop of flax. 
This is no visionary idea, as it is done in Holland and else- 
where every year ; and the whitest, most durable, and easiest 
bleached flax produced in those parts, is from crops where the 
seed has been completely ripened. 

" It has been argued, and with some degree of plausibility, 
that where the seed is ripened, the quality of the flax is not 
only worse, but the soil is also much more exhausted than in 
cases where it is pulled green. At first view this argument 
appears well founded ; and certainly, if flax were pulled while 
it is in flower, the exhaustion of the soil would be infinitely 
less than when the seed is allowed to ripen ; but when it is 



78 



EFFECT OF FLAX ON THE SOIL. 



considered that at the usual time of pulling, the seed is not 
only formed, but has made very considerable progress, if a 
careful inquiry is made, it will be found that the crop has in 
that stage drawn as much oil and other useful principles from 
the earth as it possibly can do. For though the seed of the 
flax at that period contains less oil than it does when completely 
ripened, yet that portion which is deficient in the seed will be 
found to exist in the stalk in the form of a mucilage which the 
vessels of the plant, aided by the operation of light and heat, 
would soon have converted into oil also. If this reasoning is 
sustained (and some trials which I have made go a great way 
to support it), the exhaustion of the soil must be the same in 
both cases ; the only difference is, that by allowing the crop to 
remain in the ground, vegetation is continued till the plant is 
perfected, and a complete separation of its component parts 
takes place. By this separation the oil will be deposited in the 
seed; the aqueous juices will be dried and exhaled by the sun ; 
the stalk and flax, being deprived of these, will assume a white 
appearance, and the gummy mucilaginous juices being ex- 
hausted, little or no impediment will remain in the separation 
of the flax from the stalk ; for, as I will afterwards show, one 
of the principal obstacles to the separation of the flax from the 
stalk, arises from the glutinous nature of the juices contained 
in green flax. With regard to the flax bemg of a coarser qua- 
lity, when the seed is allowed to ripen, than when it is pulled 
green, I have no hesitation in saying that this is an error. I 
will even go farther, and assert, that the ripening of the seed 
may not only be attempted with perfect safety, but that the 
flax will be whiter, and every operation it has to go through 
facilitated thereby ; but this will be illustrated more at large 
in a different part of this memoir : the only thing intended 
to be inculcated in this place is, that flax-seed of the best 
quality may be raised in Britain without injuring the flax or 
exhausting the soil more than is commonly done for crops 
where the flax is pulled green. Such are the ideas that have 
occurred to me, in considering this very important branch of 
the rural economy of Great Britain, and which I now submit 
with all possible deference to the Honourable Board of Agri- 
culture. I trust that they will ultimately lead to a complete 



POINTS TO BE INVESTIGATED. 



79 



and scientific examination of the subject, and that a system of 
management will soon be established upon solid and durable 
principles. 

" The points seemingly most worthy of minute investigation 
are the following; — 

1st. The chance of raising hemp successfully upon swampy 
and marshy grounds by cutting open drains between the 
ridges. 

" 2nd. The practicability of raising flax upon mosses, moors, 
and waste lands, with profit to the cultivator, and as a step to 
their future improvement. 

" 3rd. To ascertain what benefit would arise from sowing flax 
at an earlier period of the season than is done at present. 

"4th. To ascertain whether the mode of pulling flax above 
pointed out is better calculated to separate the long from the 
short flax, and the fine from the coarse, than the method at 
present in use. 

" 5th. To ascertain whether the seed can be ripened without 
detriment to the flax ; and if the quality is coarse when the 
seed is ripened, to determine how far it is inferior to what is 
pulled green ; and whether the value of the seed will not be 
more than an equivalent for the difference of the quality. 

" 6th. To determine whether the flax that has ripened the 
seed contains less mucilage and colouring matter than that 
which is pulled green; and which of the two requires the 
greatest labour in the manufacturing. 

7th. To ascertain by careful experiments the best and most 
speedy means of watering flax, so as to produce an easy separa- 
tion between it and the husk or stalk, and at the same time 
purge it of the mucilage, colouring matter, &c. contained 
in it. 

'^'^Sth. To make comparative trials between parcels of the 
same flax that have been steeped an unequal length of time, 
from two to eight weeks, with a view to regulate the duration 
of the steep. 

9th. To determine experimentally whether flax that is sown 



80 



IMPORTANCE OF MR. SOMERVILLE'S LETTER. 



thin^ and grows tall and strong in the stalk, is inferior to that 
which is thicker sown and smaller in the stem. 

10th. To try whether any improvement can be made upon 
the rollers of the flax-mills, so as to break the husk as much 
as possible, and by that means render the separation between 
it and the flax more easy. 

11th. To try whether any improvement can be made in the 
mode of scutching, so as to prevent the flax from being wasted 
and broken in the operation. 

N.B. I am of opinion improved rollers at the flax-mills, 
with very small deep fluting, would render the scutching less 
severe.* 

" 12th. To determine comparatively whether long or short 
hickles make least refuse in dressing flax. I think short hickles 
would dress it equally well and waste less of it. 

" 13th. To determine by fair trials whether the use of a great 
number of hickles is more profitable than putting the flax 
through only two, three, &c., beginning with very coarse ones 
and ending with the finest. 

" Such are the points respecting flax management that seem 
to me most deserving of experimental inquiry, and the 
thorough investigation of which promises to aflbrd suflficient 
data for laying the foundation of a more perfect system, than 
the present. 

''ROBT. SOMERVILLE." 

Sincerely do I rejoice in being the instrument of drawing 
from obscurity the above important letter. Important be- 
cause, if the arguments it contains in favour of the cultivation 
of flax were applicable to the times in which Mr. Somerville 
lived, with how much greater force may they be urged upon 
' our present consideration, with a population nearly double, 
and a yearly increase of about 400,000 — a population for whom 
there is no prospect of finding regular employment except 
through the introduction of a new and permanent branch of 
business. In a national point of view, one more suited to the 

* See Engravings in the Appendix. 



PROSPECT OF SUCCESS. 



81 



soil, climate, and genius of the people, could not possibly have 
been proposed than that of an extensive culture of flax upon 
the plan which I have so long recommended; a business 
which every grade of the British community contributes, more 
or less, to promote in foreign countries, to the advancement of 
foreign interests. It is true that we export linen to the 
amount of several millions a year ; but it must always be 
remembered that we first import the raw material to the yearly 
amount of five millions. To retain this enormous sum is the 
object for which the National Flax Association was formed. 
We have succeeded in proving, beyond controversy, that we 
can produce this raw material. And, when we consider that 
thousands of our countrymen are, at the present time, reduced 
to the most aggravated distress, it cannot be doubted but that 
the philanthropy of the British public will respond to the call, 
and co-operate with an Institution through which every pos- 
sible encouragement will be offered to the growers of flax. 
The want of knowledge as to the best methods of preparing 
flax, appears to have been the main cause of former failures ; 
to avoid the repetition of which, by the location of competent 
instructors, will be the care of the National Association. 

The advocacy of this great cause no longer rests upon my 
individual efibrts, but upon the sound, thinking, and intelligent 
part of the community: upon minds that perceive the vast- 
ness of the undertaking and are willing to lend their powerful 
aid in carrying it out. The prospect of success is before us ; 
and I confidently anticipate that time and circumstances, under 
the guidance of a merciful Providence, will bring about a 
happy realization. 

The following letter was taken from the ' Gentleman's 
Magazine' of 1742:— 

The Produce arising from One Acre of ground sown with 
Flax-seed considered. 

Sir, 

Cybele, who was no other than the Earth, was, with 
good reason, looked upon as the Mother of all the Gods, be- 
cause it is from the due cultivation of the earth that all sub- 

G 



82 



QUALITY OF BRITISH FLAX. 



lunary blessings (the only blessings which the Heathens 
thought of) are derived. — The Chinese, who are, in their civil 
polity, the wisest people that ever existed, esteem Agricul- 
ture* to be the root of all power and riches ; and however 
Commerce may seem, in this or any other country, to rival 
Agriculture, yet it is plain that if it were not for the latter 
the former could have no object. 

There is nothing more plain than that the land of Great 
Britain is the foundation of all our riches, power, and com- 
merce ; 't is to us the Mother of all the Gods, and ought as such 
to be venerated by the legislature and every set of men. 

I shall not attempt to prove this from the well-known calcu- 
lations of the importance of wool and other branches of manu- 
facture, but confine myself to that branch which, I have often 
said, I profess alone to understand, I mean the Linen trade. 
For this purpose I shall endeavour to calculate the vast 
advantage arising from that trade, by considering the vast pro- 
duce arising from the cultivation of one acre of ground sown 
with flax-seed. 

' Great Britain not only produces the largest crops of flax, 
but the toughest and finest of any in the world ; our soil is so 
proper for it, that unless the farmer mismanages his flax in 
reaping, watering, or grassing, it is not in his power to raise 
coarse flax. 

On the supposition, then, that the farmer shall apply the 
same skill in choosing of land proper for a crop of flax as he 
would do for wheat, I take it that an acre of land, at a medium, 
will produce 50 stone, Dutch weight, of flax ; and an acre that 
shall produce but 30 stone, I take to be amongst the worst oi? 
crops, though I have known an acre to produce 100 stone. ' 

I shall suppose this 50 stone to be of such a fineness as to 
be capable of being manufactured into cambric at IO5. per 
yard. This 50 stone Dutch weight will produce 25 stone Eng- 
lish of fine flax, fit for the said cambric, and 1 2 and a half of 
inferior sort, fit for linen, at 2s. 6d, per yard; besides 12 and 
a half of the coarsest sort, fit for making linen at 8<^. per yard.* 

* See Du Halde's Description of China, Vol. I. of Agriculture, and the 
Privileges of the Husbandman, p. 172; Declarations of the Emperors in 
Favour of Agriculture, pp. 457, 459. 



FLAX OF RIGA. 



83 



The 25 stone of fine flax will yield 2000 spindles of yarn, at 
5 spindles in the pound ; which wrought in the finest reed, viz., 
a 2400, will produce 2388 yards of cambric at 1 Os. per yard, 
amounting to 1194Z. 

The 12 stone and a half of the second sort of flax will pro- 
duce 200 spindles of yarn, which, when WTOught in a 1500 reed, 
will yield 452 yards of linen at 2s. 6d. per yard, and this 
amounts to 56/. lOs. 

The 12 stone and a half of the coarsest flax spun into yarn, 
at two pounds per spindle, and wove in a 600 reel, will pro- 
duce 1129 yards of linen, which, at Sd. per yard, amounts to 
32Z. 125. All these sums make no less than 1283/. 2s., the pro- 
duce of one single acre of flax. 

That the computation of 50 stone to an acre of flax is mode- 
rate, I appeal to all the flax-raisers in Yorkshire and Lincoln- 
shire; that IO5. a yard for the finest cambrics is a low valua- 
ation, I appeal to all the linen-drapers in London ; and that 
the calculations of the produce of the yards from the several 
quantities of flax and yarn are just, I appeal to all the spinsters 
and weavers in Great Britain and Ireland. 

To what an immense sum would this produce amount, did 
we suppose an acre to produce 100 stone instead of 50, and the 
cambric at 155. or I85. per yard instead of lOs. ! Nay, further, 
should we suppose that this flax was manufactured into lace, I 
don't know but we might swell the reckoning above a hundred- 
fold. 

I shall now compute how much an acre of the worst flax 
must produce, when manufactured into the meanest sort of 
linen; a case, that though it can scarcely happen in this 
country, yet, for argument's sake, I shall admit. 

It will not be denied that, of all flax, the Riga and Peters- 
burg is the coarsest ; that of all linens the fabric of the Dundee 
linens is the poorest and meanest ; that Riga and Petersburg 
flax is of a sufficient quality, and is commonly used for the 
fabric of the Dundee linen ; and, lastly, that 30 stone of flax 
to an acre is a very bad crop. This 30 stone of flax then, sup- 
posed to be the produce of an acre, will yield 240 spindles of 
yarn, at two pounds to the spindle; and this 240 spindles, 
wrought in a 400 reed, will produce 1152 yards of linen, 

g2 



84 



PRODUCE OF AN ACRE OF FLAX. 



whichj when whitened, and made into buckram, is worth 7d. 
per yard, and amounts to 67/. 45. 

But as this supposition consists merely in speculation, and 
cannot be so low in fact, because the worst flax that grows in 
Great Britain is of infinitely a finer quality than the Riga and 
Petersburg jflax, and that the refuse or tow of the worst 
British flax is of a sufficient quality for the fabric of Dundee 
linens, I shall proceed to show what sum the produce of an 
acre of flax may be supposed, at a medium, to save or yield to 
these kingdoms. 

But, before I go farther, I must inform my reader of a cir- 
cumstance, which, though but very little known, he may rely 
upon as an absolute certaint}^, and that is, that though the 
quantity of flax an acre will produce depends entirely on the 
quality of the soil and cultivation of it, yet the fineness of the 
flax depends almost solely on the conduct of reaping, watering, 
and grassing of it : and if all these parts are conducted with 
the same judgment and discretion that a British farmer usually 
bestows on his other branches of husbandry, he may lay his 
account with 50 stone of flax on an acre one year with another ; 
and that his dressed flax will spin to two spindles in the pound ; 
and if that shall be the case, the computation will be as fol- 
lows : — 

The 50 stone of flax will yield 25 stone of dressed flax, fit 
for linen at 4^. per yard ; 12 stone and a half of second flax, 
fit for linen at \s. 8d. per yard ; and 12 stone and a half of the 
coarsest flax, fit for buckram, at 7d. per yard. 

The 25 stone of dressed flax will yield 800 spindles of yarn, 
two spindles in the pound. These 800 spindles of yarn, 
wrought in a 2100 reed, will yield 1238 yards of linen, and 
computing each of these yards at 45. 6d., a very moderate 
price, the amount will be 278Z. 1 Is. 

The 12 stone and a half of second flax will produce 100 
spindles, at 40 cuts to the pound; the 100 spindles, wrought 
in a 1200 reed, will produce 266 yards of linen, and each yard 
at Is. 8d. amounts to 22/. 3s. 

The 12 stone and a half of coarsest flax will produce 60 
spindles, at two pounds of flax to the spindle ; the 60 spindles, 
wrought in a 400 reed, will produce 576 yards of linen, which 



AGRICULTURE OF PERTHSHIRE. 



85 



made into buckram, at 7d. per yard, yields 16/ 16 ; arid 
these three articles thrown together make 317/. 1('5. as the 
produce of an acre of flax ; and this, or near to this, without 
straining the argument, may be supposed to be the medium 
that an acre of British flax will produce. For though it should 
be argued that linen at 4^. ^d. per yard is above the medium 
that British flax could be manufactured to, yet when it is con- 
sidered that, though 85. or 2>s. 6d. should be rather said to be 
the medium, yet as the increase of the number of yards would 
in that case be in proportion to the decrease of the value of the 
yards, it would make but a trifling variation in the account. 

But to conclude, as it is a certain truth that every acre of 
flax in Flanders, taking one acre with another, at a medium, 
does not produce good 300/. in manufactured goods to that 
country, and that Great Britain does naturally produce as rich 
crops, and of as good a quality, not to say better, than Flan- 
ders; I see no reason why we may not conclude that an acre 
of flax, properly cultivated and manufactured, will yield the 
same advantage to Great Britain that it does at present to 
Flanders ; and that it is in our power, by suitable encourage- 
ments, to snatch that manufacture out of the hands of the 
Flemish, as we have formerly done the woollens. 

I am. Sir, yours, &c. 
1742. Samuel Homespun. 



Agriculture in the County of Perth. — By James Robertson, D.D. 

The culture of flax is universal in this part of the kingdom, 
but is not carried to such an extent in any other place as in the 
districts of Stormont, the west end of Strathmore, and Athol. 
The farmers in other places generally grow some for their own 
use; and where the land is more favourable for that plant, 
they are able to supply those whose soil does not raise it to 
advantage. The clay land seems to be of too close a texture 
for its tender roots, and binds too much to allow the fibres to 
expand themselves in quest of nourishment. The light sandy 
soil, on the other hand, is too weak to carry a heavy crop. 

If linseed be sown, with an intention to let the flax remain 



86 



HOW TO SAVE THE SEED OF FLAX. 



to carry ripe seed, it ought to be thin, that the plants may 
have plenty of air, be in less danger of lodging, and have room 
to grow to their full size. If it be sown on purpose to have 
fine soft flax, it should be sown pretty thick, that the plants 
may rise the closer together, may grow slender and tall, which 
adds much to the fineness of its quality. Another circumstance 
worthy of notice is, that if the saving of seed is the object, 
the flax must stand so long on the field, to bring the seed to 
maturity, that the rind becomes coarse and dry ; and if the 
flax is the object, the crop must be pulled somewhat green, to 
preserve its fine glossy quality ; in which case the seed has not 
time to arrive at perfection : so that it is scarcely possible to 
have silky flax and ripe seed from the same crop. 

Although the farmer does not choose to risk the quality of 
his lint, by allowing the seed to come to maturity, yet the seed 
ought to be rippled off", after the lint, in the sheaves, has dried 
so much that this operation may be performed without tearing 
the rind ; and this seed may be sold to the oil-mill for having 
the oil extracted. The cakes are an excellent food for cattle, 
or may be used on grass-lands as a top-dressing. 

Soft water is best for steeping lint; and it is sufficiently 
watered when the reed breaks without bending, and the rind 
parts easily from the reed. It is absurd to leave the lint a 
certain number of days invariably in the canal. When the 
weather is warm and the water is soft, it is much sooner ready 
than otherwise. The longer the water has been let into the 
canal before the lint is immersed into it, the more rapid the 
putrefaction. Lint is ready to be taken up from the field 
whenever the bark blisters and rises from the reed. 

In order to save the seed of flax, some persons who are 
knowing in the business recommend to set up the lint sheaves, 
after pulling it, in stooks, like grain, and when thoroughly 
, winn to stack it until the next spring. The seed is then easily 
rubbed off* by a roller, without injury to the flax, by putting 
the sheaves head to head. The profit on saving the seed is 
estimated to be from 61. to 61. per acre. The farmer, by this 
process, has the whole summer before him to water and dress 
his lint, without encroaching on the operations of the autumn 
in these respects. 



PREPARATION OF LINT. 



87 



In the latter end of October, 1795, I observed vast fields of 
lint in all that tract of country between the Seedlaw hills and 
the Grampians, and not a little in other places, lying spread 
upon the ground till the grass had almost covered it. If this 
be the general practice, it is in a high degree prejudicial to 
the quality of the lint. The excessive rains of that autumn 
may have prevented the farmers from getting their flax dried, 
after it was fully grassed and long enough on the field. But 
why was it not set upon end ? Why were there no attempts 
made to expose it to the wind during any intervals of dry 
weather ? In the course of two months there must have been 
some intermission of the rain. An enterprising farmer will 
seize every favourable moment to forward the operations ia 
which he is interested, and not sit, with his hands across, wait- 
ing for a long tract of serene weather, which may not come, 
till his all be lost. In the rainy climate of our insular situa- 
tion, surrounded with high mountains, the business of the 
husbandman must often, in any season, particularly in harvest, 
be done in snatches, or not done at all. There are favourable 
moments in all the business of life, especially in farming, which 
if once past, a similar opportunity may never recur. I knew 
a farmer, in such a season as is here alluded to, who saved his 
crop, while his neighbours lost theirs, by employing his people 
to work all night, and allowing them to lie by all day, because 
the nights were fair and clear, with some wind and frost, and 
the days rainy. 

In watering lint it is not uncommon to give it too little time 
in the canal, and too much on the field. It were a more sen- 
sible and safer procedure for securing the crop, and better also 
for the quality of the lint, to let it lie in the water until it be 
fully ready, and either not to spread it at all, or to give it only 
a short time on the grass. It might be set upon end, like the 
geats of corn, and exposed to the wind as soon as the water had 
dropped from it, for a short space, on the brink of the canal ; 
and if there was any doubt of its being fully watered, a little 
more time might be given it in this situation. This is the 
practice abroad in the lint-countries, and in some places at home. 
The lint is thus watered equally, which is hardly possible on a 
field, where the under part, which is always buried in grass 



88 



EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN. 



and corroded with dew, if it remains long in that situation, 
must be rotten before the upper part be sufficiently done ; and 
perhaps the whole may be lost in a rainy season before it can 
be got up. By that management the silky gloss and green 
colour of the flax is equally and more effectually preserved. 
It is a mere deception to suppose that bleaching lint on the 
field will facilitate the bleaching of the cloth. No cloth is so 
easily or so uniformly bleached as that made of lint which is 
fully and equally watered in the canal. 



England^ s Improvement by Sea and Land. To outdo the Dutch 
icithout Fighting. To Pay Debts without Moneys; to set at 
Work all the Poor of England icith the Growth of our oivn 
Lands. By Andrew Yarranton, Gent., ,1677. 

"As to linen cloth of all sorts, what vast quantities are 
yearly brought into England, and here made use of, and by 
us sent unto our islands and to many other places, the making 
of which sets at work abundance of people in other nations ; as 
also threads, tapes, twine for cordage, and wrought flax ! Now 
who makes the fine linen cloths, and where have they the 
materials ? I say the fine linens are made in Holland and 
Flanders, that is, woven and whitened there, but the thread 
that makes them comes out of Germany, from Saxony, 
Bohemia, and other parts thereabouts, and is brought down 
the Elbe and Rhine in dry fats for Holland and Flanders ; and 
there the merchants have at this day, and so will ever have, a 
vast trade in these commodities, unless that trade of linen be 
advanced in England, and encouraged as I shall set down. 
But first, observe that the people of Holland eat dear and pay 
great rents for their houses, and so they do in Flanders; but 
the weaving and whitening of the cloth is not above the tenth 
part of the labour. For the great labour is in preparing the 
flax, as pulling, watering, dressing, spinning, and winding, and 
all this is done in the upper parts of Germany and thereabouts ; 
their victuals are cheap, and in all these parts there is no 
beggar, nor no occasion to beg ; and in all towns there are 



EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN. 



89 



schools for little girls, from six years old and upwards, to teach 
them to spin, and so to bring their tender fingers by degrees to 
spin very fine, which being young are easily fitted for that use, 
whereas people overgrown in age cannot so well feel the 
thread. Their wheels all go by the foot, made to go with 
much ease, whereby the action or motion is very easy and 
delightful. And in all towns there are schools according to the 
bigness or multitude of the poor children. I will here show 
the way, method, rule, and order how they are governed. 

First, there is a large room, and in the middle thereof a 
little box like a pulpit. Secondly, there are benches built 
round about the room as they are in our playhouses ; upon the 
benches sit about two hundred children spinning, and in the 
box in the middle of the room sits the grand mistress with a 
long white wand in her hand. If she observes any of them 
idle, she reaches them a tap ; but if that will not do, she rings 
a bell which by a little cord is fixed to the box, and out comes 
a woman ; she then points to the offender, and she is taken 
away into another room and chastised. And all this is done 
without one word speaking. And 1 believe this way of order- 
ing the young women in Germany is one great cause that the 
German women have so little of the twit-twat. And I am 
sure it would be well were it so in England. And it is clear 
that the less there is of speaking, the more there may be of 
working. In a little room by the school there is a woman that 
is preparing and putting flax on the distaffs, and upon the 
ringing of the bell and pointing the rod at the maid that hath 
spun off her flax, she hath another distaff given her, and her 
spool of thread taken from her, and put into a box unto others 
of the same size to make cloth. 

" And observe what advantages they make of suiting their 
threads to make cloth, all being of equal threads. First, they 
raise their children as they spin finer, to the higher benches. 
Secondly, they sort and size all the threads so that they can 
apply them to make equal cloths. Whereas, here in England, 
one woman or good housewife hath it may be six or eight 
spinners belonging to her, and at some odd times she spins, and 
also her children and servants, and all this thread shall go 
together, some for woof, some for warp, to make a piece of 



90 



EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN. 



cloth. And as the linen is manufactured in England at this 
day, it cannot be otherwise. And is it not a pity and shame 
that the young children and maids here in England should be 
idle within doors^ begging abroad, tearing hedges^ or robbing 
orchards^ and worse, when these, and these alone, are the 
people that may, and must if ever, set up this trade of making 
fine linen here ? And after a young maid hath been three 
years in the spinning- school, that is taken in at six and then 
continues until nine years, she will get eight pence the day. 
And in these parts I speak of, a man that has most children 
lives best, whereas here he that has most is poorest. There 
the children enrich the father — but here they beggar him. 

" I know these questions will be put or asked : first. Where 
would you have this trade settled in England? Secondly, 
How shall there be flax provided for to manage this trade ? 
And thirdly. Where shall be stock at first, and where can we 
have places to whiten ? I answer, Warwick, Leicester, North- 
ampton, and Oxford shires are the places fit to set up this 
manufacture, because in these countries there is at present no 
staple trade, and the land there for flax is very good, being 
rich and dry, wherein flax doth abundantly delight. And I 
affirm, that the flax that grows in these parts shall do any 
thing that the German or any other flax can do, provided it be 
ordered accordingly. As to the second and third (as to flax 
and stock), let each county begin with two thousand pounds stock 
a piece immediately to provide houses as before set down, and 
employ it as is directed. And for places to whiten, near all the 
great towns there are brooks or rivers where bleaching-places 
may be made in the lands adjoining, as it is in Southwark by 
help of the flowing of the Thames. And for men and women to 
govern the trade, I know in every county there are men suf- 
ficient to direct and order it. 

" And observe, I pray you, these counties I now name for the 
linen manufacture, employ more hands at work by their growth 
than any eight counties of England do by the growth of theirs, 
and all employed abroad in other counties, not in their own. 
And the great cause of strength and riches to England are 
those great quantities of wool which grow in their great pas- 
tures, and are sent abroad into the West and other parts and 



EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN. 



91 



there manufactured, where they keep at work infinite quantities 
of poor people as spinners, carders, weavers, dressers^ and dyers. 
Yet I have seen two pieces in print, each making great com- 
plaintj that by the late inclosures in these counties a dog and 
a boy do manage as much land as formerly employed ten 
teams, and kept forty persons at work all the year : never con- 
sidering that the land inclosed is treble the benefit to the 
owner (after the minister's and poor's part was thrown out) 
over what it was before it was inclosed ; and that the product 
of the wool proceeding from the same land does set at work 
five times the number of people in other places of the kingdom. 
And so it will be with the linen manufactures if once well 
settled in these four counties, and encouraged by a public law, 
then these counties will be as Germany is to Holland and 
Flanders : there the flax will grow, and be manufactured 
easily and cheap; part whitened there, and the thread and 
part of the flax sent down the navigable rivers to the several 
towns to be woven and spun. And so there will be employ for 
the greatest part of the poor of England. 

" For this twelve years last past, I having my London road 
through Warwickshire, made my observations of the land there, 
and the fitness of it to bear flax ; but more particularly of the 
Manor of Milcott, being the Earl of Middlesex's, near Stratford- 
upon-Avon ; which manor is about three thousand acres, and 
to the value of three thousand pounds a-year, as I am in- 
formed. The land in this manor is sound, rich, dry, and good, 
and that is the true land to bear flax. One acre of land will 
bear three hundredweight of flax. This three hundredweight 
of flax, well dressed and made fine, will make four hundred ells 
of cloth, worth three shillings the ell, which will be in value, 
when manufactured, threescore pounds. You must observe, 
the finer the thread is, the less flax goeth to make it, and the 
more cloth it will make. And so there being the labour of 
three persons to manufacture the flax that comes of this one 
acre of land, this manor will employ nine thousand persons. 
Now there are at least ten thousand acres of land beside this 
very good for flax in Warwickshire, and no less quantity in 
any of the three other counties, every way as good. Now, 
reader, I pray answer me, whether here be not work suflScient 



92 



THE GOLDEN FLAX. 



upon the growth and product of our own land, nay in four 
counties where no manufacture is, to set the greatest part of 
the poor of England at work ; besides the great advantage it 
will bring to the owners of the lands ; and the great enriching 
of the country, by fixing so great a staple trade there, and 
bringing a multitude of people also, which is and ever will be 
a great enrichment to the place where they are. Witness the 
West of England by the woollen manufactures ; and Birming- 
ham, Stourbridge, Dudley, Walsall, and thereabout for the iron 
manufactures. And I dare affirm, take Dudley to be the centre 
of ten miles round, considering the badness of the land, it is 
there twice as dear as it is in the four counties here named. 
And within ten miles round Dudley there are more people in- 
habiting and more money returned in a year than is in these 
four rich, fat counties I mention. And by this manufacture 
we should prevent at least tw^o millions of money a year from 
being sent out of the land for linen cloth, and keep our people 
at home who now go beyond the seas for want of employment 
here. For wherever the country is full of people, they are 
rich ; and where thin, there the place is poor, and all commo- 
dities cheap." 



Extract from the Belfast Northern Whig. 

THE GOLDEN FLAX. 

Under this title a fabric of linen, cambric, and damask is fostered, 
which is doing more to raise the standard of good flax, good weaving, 
and good bleaching, in Ireland, than any other means hitherto adopted. 
The linen first appeared as a prize fabric, in 1844, when it obtained 
the medal awarded by " The Flax Improvement Society " in Belfast. 
The notoriety consequent thereupon excited considerable competition 
for prizes in the following year, when this symbolically " golden " 
' fabric obtained the first medals both for linen and cambric, and the 
prize pieces of each have recently been presented to her most gracious 
Majesty, by " the Royal Flax Improvement Society," through their 
President, the Marquis of Downshire. It was scarcely fair to expose 
this fabric to the severe test of a third year of competition: but still 
confidence in its qualities determined the trial. Three pieces of the 
linen were exhibited at the annual meeting in the past month, and ob- 



THE GOLDEN FLAX. 



93 



tained first and second prizes, and a certificate or honorary premium 
for the third ; and the damasks were awarded first prizes for double 
and single damask cloths and damask napkins. One design, " The 
Portland Vase," met with universal admiration. The cambrics were 
not exhibited at all this year, being exclusively intended for ex- 
portation. 

For Cambric and Fine Lawn. 

The ground should be a rich, light, and dry soil, sufficiently 
pulverized by repeated ploughings when in a dry state, or 
after potatoes; and if near a wood, it will save trouble. The 
seed should be sown before the middle of April, about double 
the quantity usually sown for flax or lint. The ground should 
be rolled, if dry, and weeded when it is three inches long ; 
after which forked sticks (about 1 \ inch thick) should be set 
at four or five feet distance, poles laid along these forks, 
about six or seven inches above the lint, and distant from each 
other two, three, or four feet, according to the length of the 
brushwood that is to be laid over them. This brushwood 
ought to be laid close and even, rising all about eighteen or 
twenty inches. 

The lint should be pulled as soon as the seed is formed, or 
a few days after it is out of the bloom, before the lint turns 
yellow. If any be coarser than the rest, it should be kept 
separate. It must be pulled above the brushwood, and every 
handful laid upon it four or five hours to dry, if it is fine 
weather. Spread it out four or five days, putting it into a 
barn at night, and taking care that it gets no rain, which would 
make it turn black. If it should get wet, it is better to leave it 
on the grass till dry, than to put it in wet. The bundles must 
be opened in the barn, or made very loose, to keep them from 
heating. 

It may be proper to observe here, that the introduction of 
the two-handed wheel, hardly known as yet in any part of this 
county, would contribute perhaps more than anything to the 
speedy increase of our flax crops. This simple machine, now 
common in other parts of Scotland, would enable the same 



94 



USE OF THE TWO-HANDED WHEEL. 



number of hands to spin the double of what they do at pre- 
sent, so that there would be a call for raising a double quan- 
tity, one-half of which would fall to be added to our present 
exportation, and bring a large yearly revenue to the county, 
besides enabling the poor to earn twice as much by spinning 
as they do at present. A small premium to the first, second, 
and third, who should use these wheels in any parish, might 
have a good effect. After that, we may, perhaps, as in other 
places, go a step further, and think of spinning lint in a still 
greater quantity by the use of water-machinery, which is now 
made to spin flax as well as wool and cotton. 



To the Secretary of the Bath Agricultural Society, hy a Dorsetshire 
Gentleman, 1781. 

Mr. Rack, 

I BEG leave to trouble the Gentlemen of the Bath 
Society with a few remarks on the culture of hemp and flax, as 
being articles of great national importance, and therefore well 
worthy their attention. 

I have often observed, that the greater part of those rich 
marshy lands lying to the west of Mendip-hills are as badly 
managed as any in this county, or perhaps in the kingdom. 
The farmers whose property it is seem content with the pro- 
duce it aflbrds them without much cultivation or labour ; and 
appear to be utter strangers to its real value, or the profits 
that would speedily arise from a spirited and judicious mode 
of management, were it but adopted. Almost any method 
of cultivation diff*erent from the present would in point of 
private advantage be infinitely preferable. But were these 
lands appropriated to hemp and flax, they would prove highly 
advantageous both to the landholders and the public at 
large. 

It is well known that soils naturally rich and fertile will 
produce hemp and flax in abundance ; and as these are ame- 
liorating crops, they will not impoverish the land. 



PREPARATION OF LAND FOR THE FLAX CROP. 



95 



The vast quantities of hemp and flax which have been raised 
on lands of the same kind in the Lincolnshire marshes, and the 
fens of the Isle of Ely and Huntingdonshire, are a full proof 
of the truth of my assertion, and a convincing argument of 
the superior wisdom of the farmers in those places. This will 
appear in a stronger light, when we consider that the other 
commodities raised on such land sell at higher prices than 
in this county. 

Many hundreds of acres in the above-mentioned places, which 
for pasturage or grazing were not worth more than twenty or 
twenty-five shillings per acre, have been readily let at four 
pounds the first year, three pounds the second, and forty shil- 
lings the third. 

It will not appear strange that such rents should be given 
for lands which produce from fifty to seventy stone per acre, 
which^ when dressed, sell on the average at from seven to nine 
shillings a stone, or twenty-four pounds value per acre. 

But the profitable growth of hemp and flax is not confined 
to rich soils. Experience hath evinced that they will grow 
well on poor sandy land, if a little expense be bestowed in 
manuring it. 

Spalding Moor, in Lincolnshire, is a barren sand, and yet 
with proper care and culture it produces the finest hemp in 
England^ and in large quantities. 

In the Isle of Axholme, in the same county, equal quan- 
tities are produced ; for the culture and management of it is 
the principal employ of the inhabitants ; and, according to Le- 
land, was so in the reign of Henry VII 1. 

lu marsh land, the soil is a clay or strong warp, thrown 
up the river Ouse, and of such a quality, that it cracks with 
the heat of the sun till a hand may be put into the chinks or 
openings ; yet, if once it be covered with the hemp or flax be- 
fore the heats come on, the ground will never crack or open 
that summer. 

When the land is sandy, they first sow it with barley, and 
the following spring they manure the stubble with horse or 
cow dung, and plough it under. They then sow their hemp 
or flax, and harrow it in with a light harrow having short 



96 



QUANTITY OF FLAX IMPORTED ANNUALLY. 



teeth. A. good crop destroys all the weeds and makes it a fine 
fallow. As soon as the flax is pulled, they prepare the ground 
for wheat. Lime, marl, and the mud of ponds, is an excel- 
lent compost for hemp lands. 

The quantity of hemp and flax yearly imported into this 
kingdom was, about the year 1763, estimated at about eleven 
thousand tons;* and I will venture to assert, that all this 
quantity might be grown at home, without making a scarcity 
or considerably enhancing the price of any article of our pre- 
sent produce, or occasioning any want of hands for carrying on 
our manufactures. On the contrary, 1 am induced to believe 
it would occasion a considerable increase of people by inviting 
numbers from the Continent to come and settle amongst us. 
And as the hemp and flax we import come from countries 
where the balance of trade turns in their favour, it would be 
a great national advantage. 

It ought also to be remembered, that the hemp raised in 
this kingdom is not of so dry and spongy a nature as that 
we have from Petersburg. The only objection that our rope- 
makers urge against using English hemp is, that it takes less 
tar than the foreign to manufacture it into cordage. But as 
tar is cheaper than hemp, they use this argument only because 
there is less profit arises to them from working it. This is 
therefore a substantial argument in its favour. And this in- 
ference may be justly drawn from the objection, viz., that the 
cordage made of English hemp, when compared with that of 
the same dimensions worked with foreign, must be stronger in 
proportion as there is more hemp and less tar in it, provided 
there be a suflficient quantity to unite the fibres together ; 
hemp being a stronger and more durable substance than tar. 

One peculiar advantage attending the cultivation of hemp 
and flax is, that a crop of the former prepares the land for the 
latter, and therefore a crop of hemp is a clear gain to the 
farmer. That these plants impoverish the soil is a mere 

VULGAR NOTION, DEVOID OF ALL TRUTH. The'bEST HISTO- 
RICAL RELATIONS AND THE VERBAL ACCOUNTS OF HONEST 

* To raise this quantity at home would require about 60,000 acres of land. 



HEMP AND FLAX DO NOT IMPOVERISH THE SOIL. 



97 



INGENIOUS PLANTERS CONCUR IN DECLARING IT TO BE A 
VAIN PREJUDICE, UNSUPPORTED BY ANY AUTHORITY ; AND 
THAT THESE CROPS REALLY MELIORATE AND IMPROVE THE 
SOIL. 

Therefore as hemp and flax can be raised at home so much 
to the improvement of our lands, the employment of our poor, 
and the interest of the nation at large, I am very solicitous 
that this subject may come seriously under the consideration 
of your Annual Meeting, and receive ail possible encourage- 
ment from your public-spirited and truly laudable Society. 



Agriculture in the County of Argyle, hy John Smyth, D.D. 

Few things would contribute more to the advantage of this 
county than the raising a great quantity of flax, for which 
our soil and climate are well adapted. Our chmate is warm 
and moist ; and we have a great deal of good sandy loam, 
which is the best ground for flax. If the culture of this plant 
were extended as far as the other operations of the farmer 
would allow ; or if the ground, when tilled, were let to the 
poor, or to persons who, as in Holland, would make it their 
sole business to attend to it, it would prove an immense benefit 
to the county, and furnish employment to the poor, especially 
to the female part of them, in every stage of its manufacture.* 
When the crop is tolerably good, the produce of a single acre 
may be estimated at 15/. on the field, at 20/. when it comes 
from the mill, at 60/. when spun into yarn, and at more than 
100/. when wrought into cloth and bleached. 

The attention of the farmer, and the industry of the poor, 
should therefore be directed, as much as possible, to a matter 
of so great and general importance. When this shall be the 
case, the minds of some of our landowners, who now depopulate 
their estates, will be more enlightened ; and they will perceive 
that the riches or productiveness of their estates must depend 

* In the higher parts of Perthshire, adjoining to this county, the ordinary 
farmers commonly pay all their rent by the sales of linen yarn. 

H 



98 



CHOICE OF GROUND FOR FLAX CULTURE, 



more on the number of the people,, than of the sheep, by which 
they are occupied. It is certain that neither pasturing nor 
agriculture, alone, can make any country so rich and prosper- 
ous by themselves as when they are conjoined with manufac- 
ture and with commerce. But these cannot be carried on in 
any place which does not abound with people. 

As the culture of flax it not yet well understood by the 
greatest number of those who raise it in this county, it may be 
proper to give a few directions on the subject. Choice must 
then be made of suitable ground for it. A deep sandy loam, 
in good heart, clean and well pulverized, is the best. It an- 
swers well on rich ley ground, as it will be free from weeds ; or 
after potatoes. 

The seed should be sown when the ground is neither too wet 
nor too dry, and harrowed in like clover, with a short-teethed 
harrow, after the ground has been first broken and smoothed 
by another harrow. This will prevent any of the seed from 
going too deep, and make it come up equally, It is better to 
sow rather thick than thin ; for if too thin it will branch, and 
the goodness of the crop will depend on its running into long 
fine stalks, without branches. 

The ground, after sowing, should be well clodded, and then 
rolled, to prevent its being hurt by drought. When three or 
four inches long, the crop must be carefully weeded, and as 
little injury as possible done to it by the feet or otherwise. 
The crop should not be allowed to ripen so much as is com- 
monly done at present.* It is owing to the common error in 
this case, that flax has got the name of being a scouring 
crop. 

No circumstance respecting the management of flax requires 
more attention than to water it properly. We generally keep 
it too long in the pond, or rather in the stream, which is inju- 
diciously allowed to run over it. If the flax was pulled in 
proper time, and the water warm and soft, the rind will pro- 

* The finer quality of Irish and foreign lint is ascribed to its being pulled 
before it is ripe. This, too, will add to the quantity. A writer in the Sta- 
tistical Account (XVI. 527), after telling that 71 half-stones were got from 
three lippiesof seed, observes, that it was pulled before it was fully ripened. 



MANAGEMENT OF THE CROP. 



99 



bably be sufficiently loosened in seven or eight days ; and if 
on trial it is found to be so, it ought immediately to be taken 
out. It is always safer to give it too little, than too much 
watering ; as the defect may be easily remedied by giving it 
the longer time upon the ground : whereas a mistake on the 
other hand cannot be repaired. When sufficiently watered, 
it feels soft to the gripe, and the liarle parts easily with the 
boon or show, which last is then become brittle, and looks 
whitish. The coarser the flax, the sooner it is watered. Each 
beet when taken up should be gently rinsed in the pond, to 
clean it of any mud or nastiness. 

If the flax is spread on poor ley, it will improve it greatly ; 
and the water in which it has been steeped is also a valuable 
manure, Avhich should be carefully carried or conducted to 
some ground that needs it, or weeds and straw, &c. throAvn in 
to absorb it and make dung. The flax should be spread thin 
and equally, and handled tenderly. If it meet with a few 
hours' dry weather after spreading, it will be so much the 
better, as it will make the liarle firm to bear the rain. 

If at any time the flax shall be allowed to ripen so far as 
to harden its bolls (as at present), which it ought not, they 
should be rippled off" before it is put in the water, as they make 
a rich and excellent food for cattle, mixed with boiled chafl", and 
should be carefully dried and preserved for that purpose. 

At the Annual Meeting of the Tenants of the Earl of Erne's Estate 
in Ireland, Capt. Skinner, the benevolent and zealous Secretary 
of the Irish Flax Improvement Society, addressed the meeting ; 
from lohose speech I taJie the following brief and important 
extract : — 

Three years since the quantity of Irish flax grown was com- 
puted to be about 25,000 tons. The increase of value upon 
this amount effected through the exertions of the Society was, 
at the least, taking a general average, 10/. per cent., which 
would gain a sum of 250,000/. additional in circulation among 
our farmers. (Loud cheers.) But, my Lord Erne, it is now 
understood by calculations, there be will be fully 14,200 tons of 

H 2 



100 



FLAX ON LORD ERNE S ESTATE. 



flax more in the markets this season than there was three years 
since, which at the low rate of 451. a ton value would give the 
sumof 643,050Z. ; and this added to the above additional value, 
makes it clearly appear that fully a million of money above 
the usual expenditure will be retained in the country and ex- 
pended in the home market this season, contributing thus to 
the welfare of the community at large. (Hear.) But to prove, 
my Lord, that this calculation is not fallacious, we have positive 
corroboration of the fact by taking the official return of imports 
of foreign flax for the last four 3'ears, which shows a gradual 
decrease, and in a ratio commensurate with the Society's suc- 
cessful exertions to increase the growth and promote its better 
preparation at home. It was stated before a committee of the 
House of Commons in 1840, that the amount of the importa- 
tion of foreign flax from all the Continent furnishing into Great 
Britain was 80,000 tons; in 1841 it w^as much under this 
amount; in 1842 it was in round numbers but 67,000; and in 
1843, 55,000 tons. (Hear, hear.) Here we have facts sub- 
stantiating the former views that we are gradually becoming 
more independent of the foreign supply ; and I can affirm on 
the experience of the past and practical knowledge acquired by 
an agriculturist abroad and at home, that no reason exists 
whatever why the whole quantity of the raw material required 
to keep our manufactories in full employment may not be 
produced at home both in quantity and quality, and thus the 
great drain of wealth, the purchasing of it from foreign coun- 
tries (countries, too, with whom we have no reciprocal transac- 
tions), may be checked and circulated at home, to the enrich- 
ment of our farmers, and weal of Ireland. (Cheers.) Let 
there be, therefore, no cessation of exertion to raise the supply 
required, and be assured that we have both the climate and 
the soil to grow it to any perfection, if but due skill and atten- 
tion are given to it. But look at these specimens of flax, and 
those beautiful fabrics which I brought wdth me, as samples of 
what the Irish farmer can produce, and the Irish weaver can 
turn out. (Hear, hear.) No country in the world can surpass 
them. This linen of 28 vo was woven near Lisburn, and this 
cambric at Lurgan — the prize pieces were even finer. The 



VALUE OF UAND-SPUN FLAX. 



101 



linen that obtained the medal of the Royal Agricultural Society 
was 30 vo., and will be presented to her Majesty. At the recom- 
mendation of the Flax Committee, the Royal Agricultural 
Society gave premiums for yarns at their late meeting, the 
object of which was to try if the description of yarn made use 
of in the manufacturing of cambrics could not be furnished at 
home. (Hear, hear.) It is of a quality the mill-spinning can- 
not produce, and some 30,000/. worth has now to be imported 
annually for the cambric factories at Lurgan, Warringstown, 
aad elsewhere, that are so successfully competing with and 
excluding the French and other foreign countries from the 
English market. (Loud cheers.) The result was most grati- 
fying. Some forty specimens of spinning on the old system 
were sent in, and the lowest number of them was 23 hanks to 
the lb., and up so high as 41 hanks. Now from 16 to 30 hanks 
to the lb. is what is required, and if the count could be 
depended upon, and quality be equal, 40 hanks at any time 
would find a good market, and the poor industrious woman 
make the value for her husband's fine flax of a lb. not worth 
6d. amount to 20s. or 305. (Cheers.) New resources are thus 
opening out for our people, and those of this fine country 
becoming daily further developed. In conclusion, I would 
just direct attention to these flax-machines, which Lord Erne 
has kindly taken as models for you. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) 
The beetling one \yill save you much labour, and no mill can 
do its work so well. The rippling-combs, I hope also to hear, 
will be in great use next season ; even if you can afford to throw 
away the bolls of your flax, then take them off", as no flax can 
be properly handled with them on. It should be done at the 
time of pulling, or if the flax is dried and stacked, then they 
must be threshed out carefully like corn, but without untying 
the beets. 

Statement of Mr. Henderson, Lisdillen, County Derry, on his 
mode of Managing Flax, 

The Earl of Erne introduced to the meeting Mr. Henderson, 
of Lisdillen, county of Derry, who won the gold medal, the 



102 



MANAGEMENT OF FLAX. 



Royal Agricultural Society's highest premium, at the recent 
Belfast meeting — his flax beating all Ireland. (A sample of 
the prize flax was produced, and for colour and texture was 
certainly very beautiful.) 

" The first valuable information on flax obtained here was 
from a Dutchman, Mr. Boss, brought here by the late Irish 
Linen Board. Mr. Boss was correct in all his principles, while 
he was evidently not quite an adept in practice ; for in all the 
lots of which he undertook the management he totally failed : 
he not only failed to produce superior flax, but he destroyed 
all he treated. This ill success arose from applying the Dutch 
system, in every particular, in a soil and climate materially 
different ; whilst the same system, with such modifications as 
those differences suggest, has proved useful to all who have 
attended to it. I will state more clearly by taking each part 
under a separate head. 

" Land. — I have ever observed the best flax to be grown on 
crofting ground, sound, dry (but not gravelly), and deep, on a 
clay subsoil. Loam and holming lands produce a splendid 
appearance whilst growing, but the yield is rarely equal to the 
appearance, and still more rarely do such lands give the fine 
fibre now so much valued. On lands saturated with either 
underground or surface water good flax cannot be expected. 
There cannot be a doubt that thorough-draining and subsoil- 
ing will enable this country to produce largely such flax as can 
now be procured only in small samples and isolated instances. 
I have no doubt that nine in ten of the failures of this crop 
arise from the filtration of water too near the surface, and 
that of the numerous other reasons for missed crops usually 
assigned, almost every one is imaginary. 

" Rotation. — Without method there cannot be success. Dif- 
ferent soils require difference in rotation, and suit different 
crops. I will speak only of that I use. My farm is a strong 
and pretty deep clay croft, and has proved well suited to flax ; 
therefore, I use that crop more frequently (say twice in the 
course) than will be generally found advisable. First, potatoes 
or turnips drilled, well cleaned, manured, and limed ; second. 



MANAGEMENT OF FLAX. 



103 



wheat; third, flax, with w^hich clover and grass-seeds are 
sown ; fourth, hay, the ground bein^ top-tossed with soot ; fifth, 
grazing ; sixth, grazing ; seventh, oats ; eighth, flax ; and then 
the rotation recommences. 

"Preparation. — After wheat, one ploughing is sometimes 
sufficient, but two are generally safest : one in autumn, and 
again before spring. After lea -land oats, tsvo ploughings are 
indispensable, and a third is frequently advisable, for the land 
must he perfectly pulverized, and cleared of all roots, of every sort, 
or no crop. I do not plough deeper than the vegetable 
mould. 

" Sowing. — I sow early in April, so soon after the first of the 
month as the weather permits ; I alwa3rs find the earliest sown 
the best crop. I do not await perfect dryness in the soil ; I 
prefer its being somewhat moist, that the seed may vegetate 
quickly. I sow from 36 to 38 gallons (old Irish measure) to 
the Cunningham acre (or nine imperial pecks to the statute 
acre), of good and clean Riga seed ; when I have sown more, I 
thought my crop too thick, but thin sowing never gives fine 
flax. The ground being perfectly pulverized and cleaned, I 
give a turn of the roller, and sow on the rolled ground. Where 
clover and grass-seeds are sown with flax (after wheat), the 
person who sows them follows him who sows the flax-seed, and 
both are covered with a double turn of the grass-seed harrow, 
which is light but broad, the teeth thickly set and short. I 
have ever found rolling the crop after sowing to be injurious. 

Weeding. — If weeds come, they must be drawn ; but if the 
plough, the hoe, and the hand have been sufficiently applied 
to the green crop (potatoes or turnips), and the roots have 
been all gathered previous to sowing the flax, the w^eeding the 
growing crop will seldom be necessary ; I rarely have to do it ; 
still, if there are any w^eeds, they must come away. 

" Ripening. — J have found the test recommended by Mr. Boss 
to ascertain the degree of ripeness that gives the best produce, 
with the finest fibre, perfect. It is this : — Try the flax every 
day, when approaching ripeness, by cutting the ripest capsule. 



104 



MANAGEMENT OF FLAX. 



on an average stock, across (horizontally), and when the seeds 
have changed from the white milky substance, which they first 
show, to a greenish colour, pretty firm, then is the time to pull. 
The old prejudice, in favour of much ripening, is most inju- 
rious, even as regards quantity ; and the usual test of the stalk 
stripping at the root and turning yellow, should not be de- 
pended on. "Where there is one man that pulls too green, five 
hundred over-ripen. 

^' Pulling. — I use the Dutch method, say, catching the flax 
close below the bolls ; this allows the shortest of the flax to 
escape. With next handful, the puller draws the short flax, 
and so keeps the short and the long each by itself, to be steeped 
in separate ponds. It is most essential to keep the flax even 
at the root end, and this cannot be done without time and care ; 
but it can be done, and should always be done. The beets 
should be small, evenly sized, straight, and even, and should 
never be put up in stocks or windrows, but taken to the pond 
the day they are pulled, or the day after, at longest, especially 
in bright weather ; for the discoloration produced by the sun 
on green flax will never be removed till it goes to the bleacher, 
and will give him some trouble also. 

Steeping. — Flax is subject to injury from neglect, in every 
process, but in this especially. The water brought to the pond 
should be pure from all mineral substances, clean and clear. 
The water of large rivers is generally to be preferred, but 
spriTig water, which has run some hundred yards, becomes soft, 
and will have deposited any mineral impurities it contained. 
Immediately from the spring it seldom does well. If the 
water be good and soft, it is injurious to allow it to stagnate in 
the pond before steeping. I put in two layers, each somewhat 
sloped with the root end of each downwards : one layer is said 
to be safer, and perhaps is so, though I have tried both, and 
seen no difference. It should be placed rather loose than 
crowded in the pond, and laid carefully, straight and regular. 
Having an abundant supply of water, I do not let it into the 
pond till the first layer is in. I cover with moss sods (from 



MANAGEMENT OF FLAX. 



105 



the turf banks), X^iidi perfectly close; the sheer of each fitted to 
the other. Thus covered, it never sinks to the bottom, nor is 
it affected by air or light. It is generally watered in 11 to 13 
days. A good stream should, if possible, always pass over the 
pond ; it carries off impurities, and does not at all impede due 
fermentation — flood and all impure water should be carefully 
kept off. The Dutch test of being sufficiently watered is 
certain and perfect, at least I never found it otherwise. It is 
this : — Try some stalks of average fineness, by breaking the 
woody part in two places about three inches apart, at the mid- 
dle of the length ; catch the wood at the lower end, and if it 
will pull out (downward) for those three inches, freely, with- 
out breaking or tearing the fibre, it is ready to take out. This 
trial should be made every day, after fermentation subsides, 
for sometimes the change is rapid. Flax is more frequently ' 
injured by too little than too much of the water. Great care 
and neatness are necessary in taking out. Broken or crumpled 
flax will never reach the market. Spread the day it is taken 
out, unless it is heavy rain — light rain does little harm ; but in 
any case, spread the next day, for it will heat in the pile, and 
that heating is destructive. 

" Spreading. — It should be spread even, straight at its 
length, not too thick, and well shaken, so that there shall be 
no clots ; indeed, if possible, no two stalks should adhere. I 
have ever found it injurious to keep it long on the grass ; it is 
in the steep the wood is decomposed ; on the grass the fibre is 
softened, and the wood little, if at all, affected. I rarely let it 
lie more than five days, sometimes only three — this year it had 
only three days, and I never had better flax. It should never, 
if possible, be spread on the ground flax grows on ; it claps 
down, and the clay and weeds discolour it ; clean lea or lately 
cut meadow is the best. 

Lifting. — Like all other operations, requires care and 
neatness, to keep it straight to its length, and even at the 
roots. This operation is too frequently hurried, and coarsely 
done. 



106 



MANAGEMENT OF FLAX. 



<< Jurying. — If the steeping and grassing have been perfect, 
flax should require no fire ; but, to make it ready for breaking 
and scutching, exposure to the sun should be sufficient ; but if 
the weather be damp, the flax tough, and it must be wrought 
off";, then it must be fire-dried. Such drying is always more or 
less injurious ; the flax is absolutely burned before it is dry. 
All who can afl'ord it should keep such flax over till the ensu- 
ing spring or summer, putting it dry into stack, then it will 
work freely icithout fire-heat. 

" Brealiing. — Vertical wooden rollers, lightly grooved, break 
flax better than any other method I have yet seen. Very 
little of our flax is bruised sufficiently, and the consequent 
waste in scutching is serious. In this, also, it should be kept 
straight and even at the roots. 

''Scutching. — On scutching I need say little. The slovenly 
wasteful way it is usually performed is but too obvious, and 
cries aloud for amendment ; even in the very best mills, in this 
part of the country, the deficiency is evident, when compared 
with the Down and Armagh flax. The remedy is difficult, for 
the system must be altogether changed. But changed it must 
be, or the present heavy loss be perpetuated. I have good 
hope that the Belfast Association will effect a reformation of 
this evil. 

" I omitted, in speaking of steeping, to notice the most par- 
ticular cause of injury, say the exudation of water from the 
sides or bottom of the pond. Stripe and discoloration are 
mostly imputed to the quality of the water brought to the pond ; 
whilst in nine cases of every ten, the water oozing from the 
sides and bottom of the pond itself is the cause. Even if such 
water was pure, which it seldom is, it is injurious; but when 
impregnated with iron or other minerals, it does immense 
harm. If such ponds must continue to be used, the injury may 
be partially amended by draining around the sides and ends, 
at six or eight feet distance, and eighteen inches deeper than the 
bottom of the pond, and filling the drains with stones. No other 
thing I know of does such extensive injury as this springing of 
water within the pond." 



LETTER FROM MESSRS. MARSHALL AND CO. 



107 



Letter from Marshall and Co., Leeds. — Addressed to 
J. Warnes, Esq. 

Sir, 

As we import a considerable quantity of flax yearly 
from Belgium and Holland for our establishment here, we are, 
of course, much interested in the success of any plan for 
increasing the quantity grown in England. We have lately 
paid a good deal of attention to the different modes of culti- 
vation, &c., of the plant abroad, with the view of ascertaining 
which was the best, and of then endeavouring to get a better 
system introduced in those parts of England where flax is now 
grown, so as to malce the flax crop a more valuable one to the 
farmer, and induce him to extend the cultivation of it. 

We believe both the soil and climate are suitable for the 
plant ; at one time the flax grown in the East of Yorkshire 
was of as good quality as that grown in Belgium; but the 
growth since then has fallen very much ofi", chiefly owing to 
the farmers managing the cultivation and preparation of the 
flax in a slovenly manner, and partly owing to the landlords 
having a prejudice against the crop as an exhausting one, which 
would not be the case if your plan was adopted of using the 
seed for feeding cattle on the farm where the flax was grown. 

The demand for the finer qualities of flax, grown in 
Belgium, Holland, and Ireland, has been increasing for the 
last three or four years, and at the same time there has not 
been a corresponding increase in the quantity of land sown with 
flax; hence the prices have risen considerably, and we think 
offer a great inducement to the English farmer to introduce 
largely the growth of this crop. 

The formation of such a Society as you describe will be 
of great assistance to the farmers ; and we shall have great 
pleasure in forwarding your views, by communicating any 
information that we have acquired, with regard to the 
management of flax, &c. 

We remain, your obedient servants, 

Marshall & Co. 

Leeds, November 2Sth, 1842. 



108 



MR. Edmonds's letter. 



Letter from J. B. Edmonds, Esq., Stonehouse, Plymouth, 1843. 
Sir, 

I have lately read with much pleasure, a report of a 
spirited Meeting which has been held at Norwich, on the 
cultivation of flax, and trust I shall not be deemed intrusive 
by offering a few remarks on the management of this crop, 
the result of long experience, having been myself a cultivator 
of the same, to a large extent, for a period of sixty years. 
From a slight knowledge I have of the Norfolk soil, I am of 
opinion that it is admirably calculated for the growth of flax, 
if proper attention be given to it ; but it is a very precarious 
crop, and a sandy soil is the most certain for it, but when a good 
crop can be obtained from strong land, it is best in quality. 

The first essential point to be observed is, that due care be 
taken to procure good seed; and to prevent disappointment in 
this instance^ the most certain way is to get a barrel direct 
from Kiga, through a merchant at London, where it is 
annually imported, generally about Christmas; but I have 
been in the habit of procuring it from Bridport, in Dorset- 
shire, being the chief place in the West of England for the 
manufacture of hemp and flax goods, therefore the growers 
are of course particular as to the qualit}^ of the seed they sow, 
it being procured sooner or later from Riga. 

When a superior sort of seed is obtained, it may be pre- 
served a few years, by sowing yearly a quantity (in change of 
soils) thinner than the usual crop, to make it produce more 
seed ; but after the third or fourth year, it will be found to 
degenerate. When Riga seed is purchased, it is generally 
found to be very foul, full of weed seeds, so that it is necessary 
to be cleansed by means of a sieve; nor is it \is\x2i\\y productive 
the first year it is sown in England, but very good the second 
season. Many years' experience has proved to me, that the 
best crops of flax follow the severest winters ; the same holds 
good, I believe, in Flanders. Flax should never be sown after 
turnips, for should the produce be great, the quality will be 



FLAX SOWN AFTER TURNIPS WILL FAIL. 



109 



inferior. The best land for its growth is after grass, to be 
ploughed VERY shallow early in the winter, and after being 
rolled with a very heavy roller, to be chopped over with 
mattocks, sufficiently deep to cover the seed with harrows, then 
the clods to be broken fine with beetles, and rolled with a light 
roller. Crops thus served are commonly the best, and cleanest 
from weeds. The next best is after a lying- down crop oi 
wheat ; and the next, after potatoes, the land being folded with 
sheep in January and February. Flax will also succeed after 
barley, oats, and everything but turnips, and the turnip kind. 
The same land should not be sown with flax oftener than once 
in seven or eight years, nor should land be thus applied that 
has been limed within a few years. 

If, as the season for flax -growing approaches, it be very dry, 
the land should be well kept down by harrowing and rolling, 
in order to preserve its moisture, that the plants may come up 
all together, which is a great point gained. It is a mistaken 
opinion that hemp and flax impoverish land — from long 
experience I have found the contrary; these are crops that 
make a greater return, as to manure, than any corn crop ; and 
when flax is spread on grass to be ripened, the quantity of 
grass is doubled in a short time, — the effect, I imagine, of the 
oil contained in the flax. When it can be obtained, good old 
€arth is an excellent manure for flax, to be laid on in frosty 
weather, but not when the weather is wet. It may be well to 
remark, that no crop is so desirable with which to grow grass- 
seeds as flax, as, in drawing the flax, the roots of the grass are 
loosened, and thereby encouraged to a great degree, the same 
being often injured by a corn crop. There is also great 
advantage to be gained to the farmer by sowing turnips after 
a flax crop, which should be done immediately after the land 
is cleared and ploughed ; thus turnips will be produced almost 
equally good, if not so large, as if flax had not been grown,, 
and will be found useful in the spring, after other turnips are 
consumed. 

J. B. EDMO^Ds. 

Stonehouse, Jan. 2Sth, 1843. 

P.S. — As an instance of the risk of sowing flax after 



110 



MESSRS. MARSHALL AND CO.'s LETTER 



turnips, I will mention, that a friend of mine, some years since, 
had a fancy to sow a field alternately with turnips and white 
peas, from each of which he had a good crop ; in the following 
year he appropriated the same field to Jiax, but at the harvest 
his field was in stripes, the land on which the peas grew 
having produced good flax, whilst the flax which followed the 
turnips proved good for nothing. 



Letter from Marshall and Co., Leeds. — Addressed to 
J. Warnes, Esq, 

Sir, 

We are in possession of your letter of November 30th, 
and have much pleasure in learning that we can assist in 
promoting your object of introducing the cultivation of flax 
into Norfolk, which we are convinced will be a great benefit to 
your neighbourhood. 

We have received the samples of flax- straw, and your 
pamphlet, in which we observe you chiefly draw the attention 
of the farmers to the value of the flax crop as to its produce 
in linseed. 

This is no doubt a very valuable part of the produce of 
this crop, and, in an agricultural county, where so much lin- 
seed is used, and where at present there is a scarcity of good 
linseed, this argument would be very likely to induce the farm- 
ers to take up flax-growing ; but when it was once established, 
we think it will be found that the cultivation of the plant for 
the fibre is of far more importance, and that by sowing seed 
suitable to produce fine flax, and sowing it thick (say 3 to 3J 
bushels per acre) the farmer, though he sacrifices something in 
, the value of seed produced, will get a more remunerating crop 
from his land than he now obtains. From calculations which 
we have obtained of the cost of growing flax in part of Bel- 
gium, we find it to have been lately \ \l. to 16/. per acre, and 
the value of produce 1 9/. to 28/. : at the same time we must 
remark, that the price of flax has been very high, and that 



TO THE AUTHOR. 



Ill 



the cost of growing the flax in England would most likely be 
different. 

The best system of retting abroad is practised at Courtrai, 
in Belgium. There the flax, after pulling, is set up to dry on 
the field in long stooks ; when thoroughly dried, it is either 
stacked or put away in a barn during the winter. In spring, 
the seed is taken off, and the flax retted in the river Lys. In 
retting, the flax is tied up in bundles of about 12 lbs. each ; 
then packed up in a crate or large wooden frame, which, when 
full, is launched into the river, and sunk with stones below the 
surface, but not touching the bottom ; the retting takes from 
five to seven days. The flax is then taken out, dried, and if of 
good quahty, laid by till the following spring, when it is spread 
on the grass to bleach. This flax does not come to market 
till the second year after it was grown — but this is only the 
case with the finest flax. In general, the bleaching imme- 
diately follows the retting ; but keeping the flax-straw either 
before or after retting decidedly improves the quality. 

The effect of retting in running water is to produce flax of 
a light yellow colour. This always fetches a higher price in 
the market ; but the same eff'ect is produced in large ponds or 
lakes of fresh water. If there are such in your neighbour- 
hood, we should recommend your adopting this mode of 
retting. 

The other mode of retting more usually followed is in ditches 
of stagnant water, and the result is flax of a dark grey colour. 
The bundles are laid in one row, overlapping the next, and 
then weighted with sods, stones, &c. 

The chief difficulty in retting the flax is to decide the exact 
time when it should be taken out of the water : this is a very 
nice point — as by leaving it in the water a few hours too long, 
it may be over-retted ; therefore we should recommend you in 
the first instance to follow the example of the Irish Society, 
either to send one or more young men to study the retting pro- 
cess abroad, or to engage a Belgian to superintend this stage 
of the preparation of the flax. 

Marshall & Co. 

Leeds, Yorkshire, 1842. 



( ) 



PROFITS OF GROWING FLAX. 

The following statement was read at an Agricultural Market Din- 
ner, at Market Hill, Armagh, on the \Mh December, 1843. 

Produce of three Statute Acres of Flax, — 100 stones at 155.= 
75Z. ; each stone calculated to produce 5J lbs. of dressed flax 
— in all 550 lbs. — spun to 30 hanks to the lb., will produce 
16,500 hanks. About 158 females will be employed 12 months 
in spinning, at the rate of two hanks per week (six working 
days) : wages for spinning each hank, about \s. Sd., or nearly 
7d. per diem for each spinner. This quantity of yarn would 
make 210 webs of cambric pocket-handkerchiefs, each web con- 
taining five dozen. About 18 weavers would be 12 months 
weaving this quantity, allowing each man a month for each 
web (17 J weavers exactly) ; wages per web 21. ; or from 9^. 6d. 
to ]0s. per man per week. About 40 females would be em- 
ployed 12 months in needlework (hemstitch or veining) ; each 
could do one handkerchief on each working day ; wages, 85. per 
dozen, or Sd. per day. The goods, when finished, would be 
worth 21. lOs. per dozen. 

158 spinners 12 months, or 52 weeks, at about 3*. 4d. 

per week £1369 6 8 

18 weavers 12 months, at 24/. per annum . . 420 
40 needlewomen 52 weeks, at 4^. each per week . 426 

216 persons employed. — 

Amount of wages £2195 6 8 

Cost of flax 75 



£2270 6 8 

Value of 1050 dozen handkerchiefs, at 21. lOs. per 

dozen . . . . . . . . £2625 

Profit . . . . . £ 354 13 4 

On saving of Flax Seed. From Irish Farmer and Gardener s 

Magazine. 

Mr. Wolstenholme sowed, early in April last year, fifteen 
Irish acres with Dutch seed of excellent quality, purchased 



PROFITS OF GROWING FLAX. 



113 



from Messrs. Toole and Co., four bushels to the Irish acre. 
These fifteen acres produced 345 bushels of excellent seed, 
which were sold to average — 

7s. 6d. per bushel, making . . . . . £129 7 6 
He has in flax produce, already scutched 850 st. of 14 lbs. 
To scutch, at least . . . 200 do. 

1050 stone ; 

Or 6 tons, 1 1 cwt. 1 qr., for which he has been offered 

60/. per ton, amounting to ... . 393 15 

Being for the fifteen Irish acres . . . . £523 2 6 

Or, per acre £ 34 17 6 



The average value of Irish flax may be at present estimated 
at from 451. to 50/. per ton — so that, instead of the flax having 
been injured by the saving of the seed, the crop has, by good 
management, produced an article exceeding in value from 20 
to 33J per cent, the average of the country. 

Mr. Wolstenholme has this year sown forty Irish acres with 
flax, viz. — 

35 acres with seed of his own saving, 

2 with Riga. 

3 with Dutch. 

The seed of his own saving was sown three or four days 
after the foreign, but came up before it, a much stronger plant 
and thicker in the ground, although the same quantity of 
each was grown — and to this moment promises to be a superior 
crop. 

Computing that 100,000 Irish acres are sown, and that the 
crop of seed be but 20 bushels per acre, and the price only 6s. 
for crushing, still the value of the seed crop would be 600,000/. ; 
and if the crop of flax on 100,000 acres yielded only 7 cwt. per 
acre, or 35,000 tons. 

This quantity, at 45/., would be ... . £1,575,000 
at 50/., .... 1,750,000 

And, therefore, the increased value, if at 60/., by superior 
management, would be a further gain of from 350,000/. to 

I 



114 



IRELAND ADAPTED FOR FLAX CULTURE. 



525,000/., thus making on the crop an annual increase of in- 
come of one million or upwards, from the flax crop in its present 
limited extent ! But there can be little doubt that the increased 
stimulus which would be thus given, by the advantageous re- 
sults of improved management in the cultivation of flax, would 
greatly extend its growth over the south and west of Ireland, 
where the soil is in many places admirably adapted for it ; and 
as it has been clearly ascertained that flax is not at all an impove- 
rishing crop, and, moreover, is peculiarly suited for laying down 
ground with clover, it does not appear unreasonable to sup- 
pose that the extent of land under it in this country may be 
more than doubled, and the national advantages derived there- 
from proportionably increased. 

It appears, in fact, but necessary, that other landed pro- 
prietors should follow the example of the estimable and intel- 
ligent gentleman who has been referred to, and who assured 
the writer that he would have much pleasure in giving every 
information on the subject to those at a distance who might 
desire it; he has already kindly afforded persons in his neigh- 
bourhood the means of profiting by his example. Ireland, 
from the climate, soil, the abundance of water she enjoys, and 
the extent of her population, is probably better adapted than 
any other country for the cultivation of flax and the successful 
prosecution of the linen trade. If her sons do but their duty, 
she cannot but take the lead of all other nations in this im- 
portant manufacture. 

L. C. 

Dublin, 24th May, 1836. 

From the Library of Entertaining Knowledge. 

There is scarcely any plant which is found to be so little 
alFected by^difference of soil and climate as the flax plant ; and 
accordingly one species, with all its characteristics unaltered, 
flourishes in the cold as well as the temperate regions of 
Europe, in North and South America, in Africa, and in Asia. 
By the Hindoos it is cultivated for its seed alone, from which 
oil is expressed, and the stalks are thrown aside as useless.* 

* Dr. Roxburgh. 



SOWING. 



115 



but in every other country where it is raised, its fibres are 
woven into cloth. 

The common flax (linum usitatissimuni) is an annual plant, 
which shoots forth in slender upright fibrous stalks about the 
thickness of a crow-quill. — These stalks are hollow pipes, 
surrounded by a fibrous bark or rind, the filaments of which, 
divested of all extraneous matter and carefully prepared, are 
the material of cambric, linen, and other similar manufactures. 
The leaves, placed alternately on the stem, are long, narrow, 
and of a greyish colour. When the plant has attained the 
height of about two and a half or three feet, the stem then 
divides itself into slender foot-stalks, which are terminated by 
small blue indented flowers ; these produce large globular seed- 
vessels, divided within into ten cells, each containing a bright 
slippery elongated seed. 

Although flax is easy of growth, its quality depends very 
• much on fitness of soil and situation. Low grounds, and those 
which have received deposits left by the occasional overflowing 
of rivers, or where water is found not very far from the sur- 
face, are deemed the most favourable situations for its culture. 
It is attributed to this last circumstance that Zealand produces 
the finest flax grown in Holland. Preparatory to the culti- 
vation of this plant, it is not necessary that the ground should 
be very deeply furrowed by the plough, but it should be re- 
duced to a fine friable mould by the repeated use of the har- 
row. Two or three bushels of seed are required for each acre 
of ground, if scattered broadcast. Care is taken to distribute 
the seed evenly, and the ^arth is then raked or lightly harrowed 
over. When flax is raised to be manufactured into cambric 
and fine lawns, double the quantity of seed is sown in the 
same space of ground — the plants growing nearer to each other 
having a greater tendency to shoot up in long slender stalks ; 
and, as the same number of fibres are usually found in each 
plant, these will be of course finer in proportion. 

When the crop grows short and branchy, it is esteemed more 
valuable for seed than for its fibrous bark, and then it is 
not gathered until the seeds are at full maturity. But if the 
stalks grow straight and long, then all care of the seed becomes 
a secondary consideration, and the flax is pulled at the most 

I 2 



116 



RETTING. 



favourable period for obtaining good fibres. Experience has 
shown that when the bloom has just fallen, when the stalks 
begin to turn yellow, and before the leaves fall, the fibres are 
softer and stronger than if left standing until the seed is quite 
matured. 

It has been found, from experience, that most seeds, though 
not quite mature when gathered, ripen sufficiently after being 
plucked, provided they be not detached until dry from the 
parent plant; all the sap which this contains contributing 
towards further nourishing and perfecting the seed. 

The Dutch avail themselves of this fact with regard to their 
flax crop. — After pulling the plants they stack them. The 
seed by this means becomes ripe, while the fibres are collected 
at the most favourable period of their growth. They thus 
obtain both of their valuable products from their plants, and 
supply their less careful neighbours with the seeds. 

The water-retting for very fine flax is more carefully per- 
formed, and in this process the advantages of running and still 
water are endeavoured to be combined. The pit into which 
the water is introduced for this purpose is made three or four 
months before it is wanted. A pure stream from a soft spring 
or a small rivulet is always gently running through ; the pit 
having only two small apertures at opposite sides for the ingress 
and egress of the water. This receptacle should be about five 
feet deep, narrow, and of a length proportionate to the quantity 
of flax under process. Poles with hooks attached to them are 
driven in along the sides, the hooks being rather below the 
surface of the water ; a long pole, the whole length of the pit, 
is fixed into these hooks. The flax is then made into narrow 
bundles of about two and a half feet long and four feet high, 
and these being wrapped in straw, are immersed in the water, 
where they are kept securely by means of horizontal cross 
poles, which are then introduced between the long pole and the 
hooks. 



Through the employment of Belgians upon my own premises, 
I find that but little can be added to the stock of information 



RETTING IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. llY 

already afforded. The system is the same, whether in England 
or in Belgium ; improvement being the only distinguishing 
feature in favour of the foreigner. 

Every process, as I have elsewhere observed, connected with 
the cultivation, growth, and preparation of flax is extremely 
simple, requiring the activity of a practical hand more than 
the efforts of an ingenious head. As an instance. Sir Charles 
Burrell, Bart., the earliest and most consistent supporter of my 
plans, sent a young man to Trimingham, who, in less than three 
months, returned to Sussex competent to the management of 
his master's crops. 

The only real difficulty has arisen from the want of suitable 
steeping accommodation ; and, consequently, much flax has 
been injured both in colour and quantity — a difficulty which 
the Belgians obviate by sending their flax to places adapted to 
this particular branch of the business ; distance to them being 
immaterial compared to the advantages derived. 

The water of the river Lys, to the extent of many miles along 
its banks, is the most celebrated depository for flax. Steep- 
ing is, to hundreds of men, a regular trade. Two, or more, 
unite in the possession of a number of crates, adapted to a 
given expanse of water, for which they pay no rent, and are 
protected by government from the interference of shipping. 
The crates are about twelve feet long, eight wide, and three 
deep. They are simply constructed, and made of common poles. 
One of my men, Joseph Fieux, was a joint owner of thirty - 
five. He says that farmers send their flax as far as forty miles 
by land to be steeped; some, by water, from Holland, even 
much longer distances. The sheaves, tied with double, and 
oftener with triple, bands, are placed erect in the crates. The 
root-ends of one-half of a sheaf are tied to the boll-ends of the 
other, in order to make the bundle even and convenient 
for stowage in the crate, which, when filled, is floated into 
deep water, and sunk with stones to about six inches 
below the surface. After a short time some of the stones are 
removed to prevent the crate from touching the bottom of the 
river. 

When ready to be removed, the bundles are placed upon 
the bank, a few hours, to drain. Afterwards they are untied. 



118 STEEPING AND GRASSING, 

and formed into what are called caps, not unlike soldiers' 
tents. The rapidity with ^vhich this operation is performed 
is perfectly astonishing ; for in a few minutes a whole field will 
assume the appearance of a Lilliputian camp. By this means 




the stalks are quickly dried, collected into bundles, and sent 
home. Where the process of bleaching or grassing is con- 
ducted by the owner at his leisure — that is to say, if not con- 
venient to prepare the flax for market immediately, — it is 
carefully stacked till the following spring, a delay that con- 
siderably enhances its value, particularly with respect to 
colour. On these accounts the system of steeping flax one 
year and of grassing it the next, is now extensively adopted in 
those parts; a sjstem that will, I thinks be found best suited 
to the general routine of farm-business in this country. 

I had some flax steeped in w^ater, approved by the Belgians, 
several miles from my own house, according to the above plan ; 
and found in this, as in every other department, the superiority 
of their practice. I shall, therefore, in future, send my best 
.-flax to any distance rather than risk its value at home. 

The following letters mil be found thoroughl}' corroborative 
of the above statement, and extremely valuable. They w^ere 
forwarded to me by Mr. MacAdam, secretary to the Royal 
Flax Improvement Society of Ireland, and ought to have ap- 
peared in the first edition of this w^ork, but were unfortunately 
mislaid. 



MR. HARDY ON FLAX-DRESSING. 



119 



Menin, Frontiers of France, 2nd July, 1844. 

Dear Sir, 

I am now five days here, about eight miles South of Courtrai, 
on the banks of the celebrated Lys river. The pulling of flax has 
not yet commenced in this district, but I have seen great quantities 
putting in the water, of last year's growth. It is, in my opinionj 
the best mode of watering I ever saw. There is flax just now here, 
which has been sent more than forty miles for the watering. It is tied 
up in small sheaves, and placed perpendicularly in wooden frames, 
about twelve feet square, packed close together ; it is then launched 
into the river and well covered with straw, and kept under the water 
with large stones. It is never allowed to sink to the bottom of the 
river, as they say it would do the fibre damage, from the mud at the 
bottom ; and the nearer it is kept to the top the better, for the heat of 
the weather makes the process much quicker. When the necessary 
change has taken place, which is known by the woody part pulling out 
of the fibre for six or eight inches, the frames are hauled on shore, 
where it is unpacked and carted to the grass. The pulling of this 
season's flax will begin in about ten days. I never was so much pleased 
with any plan I have seen, as the Courtrai, for this reason, — that it is 
now a-watering when there is nothing else to do for the farmers, and 
they can give all their attention to it. I found out, to-day, that, in 
some instances, when they can afford to lie out of the money, it is dried 
as soon as taken out of the water, and stacked up another year; and I 
was assured, by a large factor in green flax, that it pays him 10 per 
cent, for his money. He says, if it had any faults before, as being 
spotted, or of a bad colour, it becomes all of an equal colour, by thus 
remaining for a long time heaped together in stack. I forgot to men- 
tion, that the sheaves are made up, so that it is standing on the butt 
end, and also the stones to sink it in the water are on the butt 
end. The factor told me, that, being tied thus, it hinders any damage 
to the top end. It is very neatly bound round with three bands, one 
at each end, and one in the middle, so that it cannot loose while in the 
water. I see no reason why this system should not succeed in Ireland, 
as everything I have seen yet is most simple ; but I think in the drying 
I will learn a good deal — that is, drying to stack. Any I saw appears 
to be done most carefully, as there are no spots on it. It also seems 
to be a question, whether there is not some peculiar chemical quality 
in the water of the Lys. This I intend to have tested, before I leave, 
by a chemist in Antwerp. Please let me know how the crop is look- 
ing in Ireland, and what the weather — it is very hot here ; and I have 
seen much better crops of flax than there is here this year. 

I am, Sir, yours respectfully, 
James MacAdam, Jun., Esq. Thomas Hardy. 



120 



MR. HARDY ON FLAX -STEEPING. 



Menin, 7th Juhj^ 1844. 

Dear Sin, 

Since I last wrote you, on the 2nd instant, I have been up 
the river Lys, for twelve or fourteen miles, for two days. I had 
a person with me, who could speak a little English, at three francs 
a day; and by him I gained a good deal of information. I never saw 
so much flax in the water — in fact, all the way I went ; and I was in- 
formed, that, further on, steeping was the whole work of the country^ 
As I informed you, in my last, it is steeped in frames^ — they are very 
like delf-crates. I find that no person ever thinks of spreading on the 
grass, at this season. It is, after having been a sufficient time in the 
water, put up on the butt end, in half sheaves, and well dried, two or 
three persons going through between the rows, keeping it up, and ex- 
posing it to the weather. About two good dry days will make it 
nearly ready again to put it into stack, where it is kept until the 
following March, before it is put on the grass to bleach, as every one 
says here that March is the best bleaching time. This is all I have 
seen, and, indeed, all I can, until the pulling commences, which will 
be, in some instances, this week ; and I will be ready to go home on 
the day I mentioned, viz., the 13th. After seeing so much of this 
system of managing flax, of which I have so often heard, I must say 
that it is the best I ever saio ; but the great drawback to the Irish 
farmer is, the length of time he would have to want his money. In 
fact, it cannot fully be carried out, in Ireland, until there be such 
people as are here, to buy it on foot, and make a regular trade of it. 
There is a person in Belgium at present from England, looking after 
the management of flax ; and I am told he has engaged six or eight 
Flemings to go over with him to England, to instruct them there. 
Up in the direction where I was, and indeed all about here, the crop 
this year is very poor, worse than any I saw in Belgium, in former 
years, and much worse than a great deal about Tandragee, this present 
year ; but I am told it is better in the St. Nicholas district. 

I am. Sir, yours, very truly, 
James MacAdcmi, Ju?i., Esq. Thomas Hardy. 

By the rivers and streams that meander through our own 
country^ many places might be found where competent persons 
could be located, who, at a reasonable charge, would steep the 
grower's flax upon the Belgian plan, and thus relieve him from 
the weight of that all-important operation ; the after-processes 



PULLING AND RIPPLING FLAX. 



121 



of grassing and scutching being such as the unemployed juvenile 
population could easily perform at home. 

- With respect to pulling flax before the seed has arrived at 
sufficient maturity for preservation, I desired to test the expe- 
rience of my Belgian workmen, and therefore produced autho- 
rities to prove the necessity of sacrificing that important part of 
the crop in order to secure the finest fibre. They insisted upon 
the absurdity of the recommendation, observing, that unless the 
formation of the seed were completed in the bolls, the flax 
would be defective : but, if allowed to obtain the proper de 
gree of ripeness, both could, under their treatment, be brought 
to perfection. I inquired when my flax would be ready for 
pulling. They replied, ''in two weeks." 1 then directed 
them to pull some of the ripest and steep it immediately. 
About a hundred sheaves were accordingly placed in the 
water ; the men declaring that good flax would be found only 
in the middle, and bad at both ends of the stalks. 

At the expiration of a fortnight some more were pulled, and, 
except being stooked and threshed, were treated like the former. 
But when scutched it was thirty per cent, better, exclusive of 
the seed saved, both ends being perfect, while those of the other 
were precisely in the state foretold by the Belgians. The re- 
mainder of the field was dried in stooks, stacked, and the seed 
beaten out in the winter. 

From the result of this experiment I ascertained that there 
were four principal methods of pulling and steeping, as fol- 
lows : — 

1. The flax is pulled, and in a few hours steeped with the 
seed. 

2. The bolls are rippled on the field, and the stalks steeped 
immediately. 



122 NO OBJECTIONS AGAINST FLAX CULTURE. 

3. The flax is dried in stocks, seed threshed, and stalks 
steeped. 

4. Stocked, stacked, the seed beetled in the winter months, 
and the stalks steeped at pleasure. 




The fibre in numbers 1 and 2 will be found equal in value, 
and both superior to 3 and 4 ; but taking the seed into account, 
either of the three latter will be more remunerative than the 
first, and the last most of all, whether as respects the acreable 
value of the crop, the advantages of the seed, or the employ- 
ment afforded where labourers are abundant. 

No rational objection can be urged against the growth of 
flax, because, under the improved system, every argument is 
in its favour, enforced by reason, humanity, and religion ; a 
system that renders obsolete the clauses in old leases prohibit- 
ing the culture of this prolific plant, and the antiquated notion 
,that fibre and seed cannot be secured at the same time. 

In the preceding calculations the rent of land, the seed for 
solving, and the tillage, are rated much beyond the absolute 
cost to the farmer who would grow his own seed, employ his 
own horses, and avoid many of those charges to which the linner 
or factor is subjected. 

Besides, under the improved system of management the 



PRODUCE OF VARIOUS FLAX FIELDS. 



123 



most profitable description of flax is that from which the 
seed has been saved; therefore the crop is now rendered 
doubly valuable, and doubly important to the community at 
large. 

With respect to the various details of harvesting and pre- 
paring flax for general purposes, those contained in the letters 
of Messrs. Marshall and Mr. Edmonds deserve particular 
attention ; but where the finest description of flax, regardless 
of seed, is the object, Mr. Henderson's directions (p. 96) 
may be followed with undoubted success. Indeed his plan is 
so clearly recounted, that it will be found a valuable re- 
ference even to those who may not be disposed to sacrifice the 
seed. 

It ought to be remembered that if all aimed at fine fibre the 
market would be quickly overstocked with that quality, the 
price be greatly reduced, and the coarser sorts be more in 
request. 

Mr. Beare, of Paston, had more than seven coombs, or 
29 bushels, of linseed from an acre of land last year. Mr. At- 
kinson, of Walcot, had 27 bushels from an acre and 4 rods 
of ground. The weight of Mr. Pierson's seed of Framling- 
ham was 4 stone 3 lbs. per bushel, and that of Mr. Tillett, of 
Yaxley, 4 stone 3 J lbs. per bushel. I could adduce many 
more instances if necessary, but the above are sufficient to 
prove that the quality, weight, and quantity per acre of Eng- 
lish seed surpass any accounts extant. 

These facts, added to the discovery that linseed with grain, 
pulse, or hay, can be formed into a compound infinitely cheaper 
and superior to foreign oil-cake for fattening cattle, incontest- 
ably prove that the cultivation of the plant for the sake of the 
seed must abundantly repay, and that a new agricultural era 
has commenced, fraught with the most beneficial consequences 
to landlord, tenant, and labourer. 

An appropriate place is here presented for the insertion of 
an article, by the pen of Sir Charles M. Burrell, Bart., unex- 
pectedly off'ered for the second edition of this work. A 
valuable acquisition as well as a powerful support to my 
labours. 



124 



SIR C. BURRELL ON BOX-FEEDING. 



My dear Sir, 

Influenza prevented my attendance at the Stayning Christmas 
Stock Show, or I intended to have offered some observations upon your 
system of flax-culture and box-feeding, with my experience of the be- 
neficial effects thereof. 

I feel it, however, in every way due to your liberal views of benefit- 
ing the country, and creating extra winter-labour, by the preparation 
of flax, &c., to place the following statements at your disposal, in cor- 
roboration of your work of 1846. To ensure precision, my bailiff* has 
been desired to examine them before being put into the post. 

I also inclose a sketch of my boxes, which you, who know the 
locality well, will perceive that part having been former buildings, I 
could not have arranged better. Also a calculation sent me by Mr. 
Daubuz, of Offington House ; with another from Mr. Alfred Smith, 
bailiff" to Colonel Wyndham ; by which you will discover that their 
calculation of time tallies pretty well with mine. 

The general period for fattening beasts on compound, in which they 
vary (as well as beasts do in taking to oil -cake), is about sixteen weeks, 
some indeed requiring only thirteen or fourteen. They are liked by the 
butchers, as generally proving well, and being (as they say) " good 
cutters." With respect to comparative expense, we are entirely satis- 
fied that compound is much to be preferred to oil-cake, more especially 
to foreign cake, such as I once purchased, and but once, for my large 
(yarded) beasts, and found it full of string, rags, and rubbish. With 
regard to the health of the animals, I have found them much healthier 
than my other beasts in yards. This difference I attribute to the 
greater warmth of the boxes and to the purity of the atmosphere. 
Neither is the perfect quiet of the boxed beasts, and freedom from 
interruption, to be overlooked. By treading the litter close, and pre- 
venting heat, no effluvia arises, except when a box is cleaned out, at 
the end of several weeks. 

Formerly we seldom fattened bullocks in less than twelve months, 
thus losing much time in bringing them to profit, and much manure 
while at pasture. Again, in the yards the manure was subject to rain 
and snow, being much deteriorated. Whereas, the manure made on 
your principle is of full double value. On being removed it is fit for 
immediate use ; or, if not required, becomes available at any time by 
being incorporated with mould. My heaps are covered over with sea- 
weed, &c., whenever obtainable, to protect them from drought. I may 
further add, that since I adopted the box-feeding system, the hay and 
straw upon my premises have been greatly economised. The reserve of 
the former was so great that I was able, in 1 845 and 1 846, when hay 
was in great demand, to sell a hundred loads at a high price. I did 
this without prejudice, but with advantage, to the land, as I employed 



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126 



EXPENSES OF BOX-FEEDING. 



the money in the purchase of guano, &c., especially salt for making the 
lime-mixture recommended to me by that excellent practical farmer, 
John Benett, Esq., M.P. for Wiltshire. 

To me the undeniable success of your box-feeding system has been 
peculiarly satisfactory, having, as may be seen in the Reports of the 
former Agricultural Society, of which Sir John Sinclair was the 
respected President, obtained, on the 9th of February, 1810, the Gold 
Medal offered by the Society to the most satisfactory experiment in 
summer-soiling. I mention this circumstance as corroborative, to a 
limited extent, of your very much better system. 

Mr. Daubuz's calculation of time required to fatten a lot of beasts 
with compound perfectly accords with mine, viz., that three lots of 
bullocks can now be fattened in twelve months. Not so Colonel 
Wyndham's account, whose advantage in the new system over the old 
appears to be one-third. But, for the sake of clearness, I subjoin 
the two calculations as forwarded to me. Of course the condition of 
the cattle when put up ought to be taken into account ; also age, size, 
and other circumstances, of which men of experience will take cogni- 
zance. All I aim at proving, for the public good, is, that we return 
many more fat cattle, and make more manure, and of superior quality, 
than heretofore. 

Mr. Dauhuz of Offington^s calculation of the expense of fattening eight 
Devon oxen on Mr. Warnes's box-feeding system. 

Offington House, July 17, 1847. 



lbs. Per lb. 

Linseed (home-grown, at 7s. per bshl.), 57 at 7s. per bshl. is . \\d. 

Pea-meal . . . 63 at 6s. 6<i, per bshl. is . \\d. 

Barley-meal . . . 45 at 5s. per bshl. is . \\d. 

lbs. s. d. 

22 linseed, crushed, at \^d. . . . . .29 

33 pea-meal, at lj<i. . . . . . .3 5;^ 

33 barley-meal, at l^d. . . . . .3 5^ 

240 or 12 gallons of water 

328 will make 40 cakes, 7 lbs. each . . . .9 7^ 

280 forty cakes, labour in making . , . .06 

48 Evaporation . . . . . .03 



Total cost of 40 cakes . . . lo 4^ 

Each cake costs 3i|iJ. 



The evaporation accounted for by continuing to boil the linseed five minutes 
after the pea-meal is stirred in, previously to mixing in the barley-meal. 

Each bullock consumes, in addition to the compound, 1 bushel of steamed 
hay-chaff per day, and 1 bushel of white carrots and Swedes (before cut), 
mixed. 



MR. SMITH TO SIR C. BURRELL. 



127 



The boxes hold 4 cart-loads (containing 1^ yards each) of manure. They 
were cleaned out in January, and will be again when the cattle are sold, which 
will give 12 yards of manure, sufficient for 1 acre of ground. 

N.B. The calculations are made from the medium prices of the day ; but 
having fed my beasts chiefly on tail- peas and barley, my account will be bene- 
fited thereby— a course most farmers will adopt. It is impossible to make a 
correct calculation of compound against oil-cake, as you may buy the latter at 
almost any price and of any quality. 

(Signed) J. B. Daubuz. 

To Sir C. M. Burrell, Bart., Knepp Castle, 
near Horsham. 

Stag Park, Petworth, February 2Srd, 1847. 

Sir, 

In compliance with your request I now send you the calculation of 
compound, including the evaporation. 

21 lbs. of linseed at l^d. per lb. . . 2s. 7\d. 
63 lbs. of pea and bean meal, cost . .60 
156 lbs. of water 

240 8s. I^d. 

This quantity makes thirty cakes, each weighing 7^ lbs., total 225 lbs., making 
the evaporation 15 lbs. Respecting the number of beasts we can fatten in the 
boxes, I think it the better plan to tell you when they were put in and when 
sold. The size of our bullocks will not allow of so many being done in the 
tiine you have specified. The first lot were put in the end of June and sold 
at Christmas ; those put in at Christmas I expect to sell in April or beginning 
of May. Our usual system has been to fatten two lots of beasts in about eighteen 
months. Oxen that were turned off at Christmas and grass-fed during the 
summer, tied up in September and sold at Christmas. Beasts bought in the 
autumn and tied up at Christmas, sold in May or^beginning of June. 

I remain, your humble Servant, 

Alfred Smith, 
Bailiff to Colonel Wyndham. 

To Sir C. M. Burrell, Bart. 

I have, with the object of increasing summer box-feeding, sown a field 
with Mr. Dixon's superior kind of Italian rye-grass ; the results of 
which he made known in the Royal Agricultural Society's Journal. 
Having sown the seed without corn last autumn, the field is well 
covered with healthy plants, to which I purpose applying tank-water 
from my farm-yard and stables, at proper times, according to Mr. 
Dixon's system. While I state this hoped-for increase of green food 
in spring and summer, let it not be supposed that the use of coarse 
grass from road sides, and plantations, &c., is to be discontinued. 

With respect to my boxes, I will endeavour to give a statement of 
their size and range for sixteen beasts ; but a perfect scale I cannot 
attempt. The following is their description : — 

Towards the east is a boiling-house, 20 by 16 ; at the end of 



128 



SIR C. BURRELL ON BOX-FEEDING. 



which is an open space with a pump. Next a fodder-house, 20 by 16, 
having a door communicating with a passage to eight boxes, running 
at the heads of the bullocks, where the feeding and water troughs are 
placed. These troughs rise and fall in grooves, and are supported by 
pins according to the accumulation of manure in the pits of the boxes. 
At the end of the passage is another fodder-house, 25 by 21, commu- 
nicating with eight more boxes, like the others in every respect. 
Built in 1846. These boxes are about ten feet square. Between the 
ranges of the boxes a spacious tank is constructed, containing 25,600 
gallons of water ; which are obtained from the roofs of the boxes, and 
from the under-drains of an arable field adjoining, the water being as 
clear as from a filtering-machine. Be it also remembered that the 
drains were eflfectually made by the Pearson plough twelve years past. 
By means of a forcing-pump, an iron cistern, and pipes placed at a 
proper height, the water is conveyed at a great saving of labour and 
expense to one end of the feeding-cribs separated for that purpose, and 
rendered as w^ater-tight by marine glue as if lined with lead. Messrs. 
Palmer and Green, iron-founders, Brighton, supplied this most simple 
and effectual apparatus. 

Perhaps an angular or double row of boxes, with an intervening 
passage, might not only be more economical, but more convenient : in 
my case, however, the present plan suited best ; especially as eight of 
the boxes, one of the fodder-houses, a boiling-house, and pump 
originally formed an extensive piggery, converted to the present 
purpose at a moderate cost, through your discreet recommendation. 
Agriculturists from considerable distances inspect my establishment, 
for the purpose of obtaining information relative to compound-feeding, 
and for taking measurements with a view to future erections. All 
depart expressing much satisfaction at the result of their visit. It is 
unnecessary for me to enlarge further, conceiving that the subject will 
soon become familiar to the whole country. 

"With respect to flax, 1 have had fortunately so much employment 
for my farm labourers, in under-draining, cutting down timber, and 
grubbing up broad hedgerows, &c., that my crops have not been 
converted wholly. Nor does the price that I have yet been able to 
make tempt exertion : but of this, and other particulars respecting the 
sale of fibre and tow, I require more information than I yet possess. 
Home-grown linseed, however, stands foremost in my bailiff's esti- 
mation, on account of its freedom from rubbish and superiority to 
foreign. 

I remain, yours very truly, 

C. M. BuRRELL. 

Knepjj Castle, Sussex, ?iear Horsham, 
February 24M, 1847. 



AGRICULTURE OF THE NETHERLANDS. 



129 



The above letter^ emanating from such an authority as the 
contemporary of the Duke of Bedford, Lord Leicester, Lord 
Spencer, Lord Western, Sir John Sinclair, &c. (lovers of their 
country and patrons of agriculture), must be regarded as a 
most confirmatory testimonial in favour of this volume. Deep 
indeed must be the prejudice that such proofs cannot reach ; 
and shallow the pretext for delay on account of fancied trouble. 

Struck with my representations before the Council of the 
Royal Agricultural Society in 1844, and ever on the alert to 
advance the interests of agriculture. Sir Charles interrogated 
me upon several points ; and speedily after tested their accu- 
racy in boxes added to his own premises. Nor was he less 
prompt in promulgating the result of his experience ; observing 
in one of his early communications, that " if further proof were 
desirable, it is afforded by the intended increase, early in the 
spring, of the number of my cattle-boxes." 

Subsequently the Hon. Baronet invited, through the press, 
all agricultural inquirers to an inspection of his premises at 
West Grinstead ; and forwarded a paper on the subject of box- 
feeding, &c. for insertion in the Journal of the Royal Agricul- 
tural Society, which was rejected as hyperbolical. The merits 
of the question, however, remain unaffected ; and we find Sir 
Charles Burrell still the uncompromising supporter of a cause 
destined to confer inestimable benefits upon agriculture and 
upon his country. 

Suggestions on Fattening Cattle with Native instead of Foreign 

Produce. 

The Agriculture of the Netherlands is said greatly to excel 
that of England or of any part of the world. Copious details 
of those peculiar modes which rendered the husbandry of that 
country so eminently superior to ours, are published in ' The 
Royal Agricultural Society's Journal,' in ' The Farmers' 
Magazine' for June, 1840, and * Farmers' Series of the Library 
of Useful Knowledge,' under the head, ' Outlines of Flemish 
Husbandry.' These works were written during a tour made 
by the authors through East and West Flanders ; and as 
reference is given to particular farms, their accuracy cannot 

K 



130 



CLIMATE AND SOIL. 



be doubted. I venture strongly to recommend an attentive 
perusal of those excellent accounts, being persuaded that they 
will tend materially to advance the objects of the following 
pages. 

It is far from my intention to draw any invidious com- 
parison between the farmers of the Netherlands and those of 
my own country; on the contrary, from all I can discover, 
the Flemish farmer is much beneath the British agriculturist 
in the possession of capital, station, education, and general 
knowledge. Our advantages consist in machinery, in the 
breed of our horses, in cattle, and in sheep. " But," says the 
author of the Outlines of Flemish Husbandry, " in the minute 
attention to the qualities of the soil, in the management of 
manures of different kinds, in the judicious succession of crops, 
and especially in the economy of land, we have still to learn 
something of the Flemings." 

The climate is described as differing very little from that of 
England ; but the winters are more severe, and snow covers 
the ground longer; consequently tillage and sowing cannot be 
performed till a late period of the spring. The greater por- 
tion of the soil is far from being naturally productive ; much 
of it is of a poor sandy description. It is compared to the 
sandy soil of Norfolk and Lincolnshire ; but by indefatigable 
industry is rendered extremely fertile. Of all their crops flax 
is the most profitable. It fetches from 201. to 25Z., and even 
to 30/. per acre in the best cultivated districts, independent of 
the seed, which is worth 5Z. or 6/. more. In other parts the 
crop is of much less value, being rated at 12Z. per acre only. 
French and Brabant merchants deal extensively with the 
Flemings for flax : they purchase it as soon as the seed is 
threshed, and prepare it for exportation at their own expense ; 
so that the profit of an acre of flax to Flemish farmers must 
be considerable, and may well be termed their '^golden crop." 

The offal was once highly appreciated in this country as 
linseed-cake for fattening cattle; but, in consequence of the 
demand becoming greater than the supply, a spurious descrip- 
tion of cake was palmed upon the agriculturists, who now, 
perceiving the imposition, hold it in less estimation. 

A society for the improvement of the growth and prepara- 



FATTENING PROPERTIES OF LINSEED. 



131 



tion of flax has recently been formed at Belfast, in Ireland, 
which promises to be of great benefit. The origin of this 
Society is somewhat remarkable. The Belgian government, 
having it in contemplation to impose an increased duty upon 
the export of flax, sent a deputation, consisting of a member 
of the Belgian Senate, two members of the Chamber of Repre- 
sentatives, a banker, and an intelligent merchant, to inspect 
the establishments of the leading manufactories of England, 
Scotland, and Ireland. They were surprised at the specimens 
of flax submitted to their inspection, which they considered 
our inferior mode of culture incapable of producing. Hence 
they discovered that we only required the Belgian care in 
preparing the land to render us independent of any other 
country for flax of the finest description. The Commissioners 
returned, delivered their report, and nothing more was heard 
of the proposed duty. The Irish, however, formed the above- 
mentioned Association, followed the example of their foreign 
visitors, and despatched a deputation to the Belgians to in- 
quire into their superior mode of cultivation, to engage 
experienced workmen to settle in Ireland and instruct them 
in their art. 

The climate of this country is less humid than that of 
Ireland. And, if we look at our vast and varied resources, 
at the immense importations of flax by our manufacturers, of 
linseed-oil by our merchants, and of oil-cake by our farmers, I 
cannot doubt that if a society were formed in England upon 
the same principles which instigated the formation of the 
Society in Ireland, it would tend materially to advance the 
best interests of agriculture. 

Nothing can more clearly evince the fattening properties of 
linseed than the striking effects produced by the oflfal, which 
is formed into cake when the oil is extracted. Repeated and 
extensive experiments have been made to fatten cattle with 
the seed itself, also with the oil. Bnt on account of the incon- 
venience, trouble, and expense of preparing the food, with 
the uncertainty of a profitable return, the use both of seed 
and oil is nearly discontinued, and the prevailing opinion 
now is that the off*al is superior to the pure seed. For " there 
is nothing like cake !" exclaim many writers on the subject, 

K 2 



132 



CATTLE FATTENED ON LINSEED. 



and many farmers. Indeed, the prejudices of some were carried 
so far at one time as to pronounce the oil pernicious, and to 
recommend an article called double-pressed cake at an extra 
cost of two pounds per ton, instead of the cake commonly used ; 
but I believe the merit of this discovery does not belong 
to Norfolk. A little reflection would have shown how impro- 
bable it was that the seed-crusher would be so regardless of 
his own interests as to leave oil, worth from 35Z. to 40/. per ton, 
in the cake, which he only sold for lOZ. 

That linseed-oil will fatten bullocks experience has placed 
beyond a doubt. Amongst the fattest beasts ever sent to the 
London market from Norfolk, was a lot of Scotch heifers, 
grazed entirely on linseed-oil and hay; but the quantity 
given per day, the cost per head, or anything relative to profit 
or loss, I never heard : farmers seldom keep account of such 
matters ; hence the frequent failure of experiments. A bullock 
may be allowed in general to eat as much cake in a day as he 
pleases; but a nice regard must always be had to the quan- 
tity of linseed placed before him, and especially to the oil. 
Neither oil nor linseed should be used in a crude state, but 
formed into mucilage by being boiled in water. The seed 
must be fiyst reduced to fine meal ; one pound and a half of 
which, stirred into twelve pounds of water while it is boiling, 
with four pounds and a half of barley, beans, or pea-meal, 
and given to a bullock of between 40 and 50 stone every day, 
will, in addition to Swedish turnips, be quite sufficient, or 
perhaps rather more than he would be inclined to eat. This 
small quantity of linseed will act well on the stomach, and the 
bullocks will thrive and fatten in a degree that can scarcely be 
credited, except by the person who tries the experiment. In no 
instance has it failed. The quantity of seed may be increased 
after the animal has been accustomed to it for some time, but I 
believe to no great extent. I have reduced this to a certainty 
from repeated tests : therefore as oil is stored so abundantly in 
linseed, I think I may fairly attribute the failure of those who 
have so freely condemned the use of both oil and seed to a 
want of proper inquiry into, and a prudent and systematic 
employment of, their extraordinary fattening properties. 

It is but just to state that the above investigation originated 



CATTLE FATTENED ON LINSEED. 



133 



in the formation of one of those useful and patriotic institutions 
called ''Farmers' Clubs/' at North Walsham, in the autumn 
of 1840. The club meets once in each month. The desir- 
ableness of fattening cattle on home-made food rather than on 
foreign produce^ was a subject brought forward at one of those 
meetings. I therefore had coppers erected, and commenced a 
series of experiments by incorporating linseed with corn or 
pulse, which ended in the production of the desired substitute 
for foreign oil-cake. 

The last of my experimental bullocks for 1841 was dis- 
posed of at Christmas, at 85. 6c?. per stone. He weighed 
60 stone 5 lbs., at 14 lbs. to the stone: cost 71. \7s, 6d. 
thirteen months previously: so that he paid 17/. 10^. for 
little more than one year's keeping. His common food was 
turnips or grass: 14 lbs. a-day of barley or peas compound 
were given him for forty- eight weeks, and an unlimited quan- 
tity the last five weeks; when, considering the shortness of 
that time, his progress was perfectly astonishing — not only to 
myself, a constant observer, but to many graziers and butchers 
who had had occasional opportunities of examining him. 
Altogether the weight of compound consumed did not exceed 
two tons four hundredweight, at the cost of only 31 I6s. 
per ton. 

From the above period the same practice has been continued 
upon my farm, both in summer and in winter, with never-fail- 
ing success. Some additions, and perhaps improvements, have 
been made, as the inquirer will find by referring to the Index ; 
but the original principle has remained unaltered. Instead, 
however, of twelve, my cattle have been regularly sent to 
market every six months, obtaining profits such as prove the 
superiority of the system over every other. Of this fact indis- 
putable evidence is given in my last public letter that appeared 
in the ' Norfolk Chronicle' on the 20th of February, 1846,— a 
letter that may be regarded as the compendium of my labours, 
and which now occupies an appropriate place in this volume 
(See page 60). 



134 



COMPOUND FOR SHEEP AND BULLOCKS. 



Directions for making Compound for Sheep. 

Let a qi;iaiitity of linseed be reduced to a fine meal, and bar- 
ley to the thickness of a wafer, by a crushing-machine with 
smooth cylinders {see Engraving). Put 168 lbs. of water into 
an iron copper, and as soon as it boils, not before, stir in 21 lbs. 
of linseed meal; continue to stir it for about five minutes, then 
let 63 lbs. of the crushed barley be sprinkled by the hand of 
one person upon the boiling mucilage, while another rapidly 
stirs and crams it in. After the whole has been carefully in- 
corporated, which will not occupy more than five or ten mi- 
nutes, cover it down and throw the furnace-door open. Should 
there be much fire, put it out. The mass will continue to 
simmer from the heat of the caldron, till the barley has 
absorbed the mucilage; when the kernels will have resumed 
nearly their original shape, and may justly be compared to 
little oil-cakes, which, when cold, will be devoured with avi- 
dity. 

For Bullocks, 

the same process is to be observed ; but the barley must be 
ground to the finest meal by millstones, and the quantity 
of water reduced to about 150 lbs. There is this difference 
also : in the former case the fire need not be extinguished, but 
in the latter it must, or at least be damped. The reason is 
obvious; for flattened barley requires heat to carry on absorp- 
tion; while meal is sufficiently cooked by immersion. 

It may be asked, why should not the compound for sheep 
be equally adapted for bullocks ? I answer, that sheep are 
close-ruminating animals, and pass nothing undigested ; while 
with bullocks it is far otherwise. This the practical observer 
, will soon discover. Nor let the amateur disdain the inquiry ; 
because his success as a farmer mainly depends upon the fat- 
tening of cattle. He must now think and act for himself, and 
no longer be guided by antiquated maxims and customs 
founded upon idleness, ignorance, and prejudice. 

I repeat, therefore, that it is not necessary for barley, or 
even linseed, to be reduced to fine meal for sheep ; but for 



BARLEY MAY BE MIXED WITH COMPOUND. 135 

bullocks it is indispensable that linseed should be crushed^ and 
barley ground as fine as possible. 

On the compound being removed into tubs^ it must be 
rammed down to exclude the air, and to prevent it from turn- 
ing rancid. After a little practice the eye will be a suffi- 
cient guide to the proportions, without the trouble of weigh- 
ing. The compound will keep a long time if properly pre- 
pared. The consistency ought to be like clay when made into 
bricks. 

Indeed, many farmers in the neighbourhood of North 
Walsham put the compound while hot into shapes, like brick- 
moulds. The frame is about 28 inches long, and 10 wide; it 




has neither top nor bottom ; and when used is placed on a 
piece of board rather longer and wider than the frame. The 
compound is firmly pressed into the moulds with a gardener's 
trowel, and on the frame being lifted up will be formed into 
cakes. Another board is then placed under the frame as 
before ; and so on till the copper is empty. When cold, the 
cakes may be cut into pieces like bread, and given to the 
cattle. It will be seen that many boards are required, and a 
convenient place for stowing the cakes. I have tried this plan 
myself, but found it troublesome, expensive, and unnecessary. 
Observe, the inside of the moulds should be made rather larger 
at the bottom than at the top, in order to prevent the com- 
pound from sticking when the frame is lifted up. 

In the spring and summer months, germinated barley might 
be made into compound with great advantage. Bullocks will 
eat it with avidity and thrive fast upon it. The process is 
simple. Let some barley be steeped about two days, and the 
water drained oif. After the radical or root has grown to 
nearly a quarter of an inch in length, it must be well bruised 
with the crushing- machine, and as much as possible forced into 
some boiling mucilage, containing the same quantity of linseed. 



136 



MAKING THE CATTLE-COMPOUND. 



but a fourth less of water than would have been prepared for 
dry barley. It will soon turn sour, but the cattle will not re- 
fuse it on that account. Care must be taken lest the sprouts 
are suffered to grow beyond the prescribed length, or the qua- 
lity will be materially injured ; therefore it will be necessary 
to destroy their growth by passing the barley through the 
crusher. It may be then used at pleasure. 

The foregoing remarks equally apply to other grain and 
pulse, in forming which into compounds the same rules must 
be adhered to ; but peas and beans require more water than 
either barley or oats. The proper proportions will easily be 
ascertained by practice. An admixture of grain and pulse 
with linseed will be found to act well together. 

Pigs in a yard fatten upon the excrement of bullocks fed with 
oil-cake : but if the cake be reduced to a pulp, and incorpo- 
rated with other materials, according to the receipts for making 
compounds, the cattle would derive the intended benefit, instead 
of the pigs. This remark is equally applicable to corn not 
properly ground. I am thus minute in order to convey with 
clearness my opinion of the necessity for reducing linseed^ grain, 
and pulse to fine meal. 

Either potatoes, carrots, turnips, or mangold-wurzel boiled 
and incorporated with linseed meal, form a compound upon 
which cattle fatten with great rapidity. To make it, nothing 
more is required than to fill the copper with washed potatoes, 
or carrots, &c. sliced. Supposing the copper would contain 
eight or nine pails of water, let only one be added. In a few 
minutes the water will boil, and the steam will speedily cook 
the roots ; then a convenient portion should be put into a stout- 
bottomed trough, with a little linseed meal, and mashed with 
the rammer, while a boy turns it over. The re- 
mainder must be prepared in the same way. As 
the mass increases in the tub it should be 
pressed firmly down, in order that it may re- 
tain the heat as long as possible. The length 
and size of the rammer ought to be adapted to 
the height and strength of the person employed. 
It will be found convenient to have two or three 
at hand, varying from eighteen inches to two feet long, taper- 




FOREIGN OIL-CAKE. 



137 



ing, and from four to six inches square at the bottom. A pin 
should be passed through the top for the convenience of being 
worked with both hands. 

Nor let these compounds be despised on account of their 
simplicity. They are neat and convenient modes of placing 
artificial food before bullocks, which must be superior to 
cake made of all sorts of foreign rubbish.* To assert that 
such ofFal is really superior to the sound and wholesome 
materials of which the compounds are formed, is like assert- 
ing that bran is superior to wheat. Sixteen coombs of 
linseed are required to make one ton of cake. Now, if the 
number of tons imported into this country alone were mul- 
tiplied by sixteen, I question whether it would not amount 
to infinitely more than is grown on the whole continent 
of Europe. We, however, receive the supply ; but of what 
does that supply consist ? The seeds of hemp, and of many 
other plants which are grown solely for the purpose, be- 
sides the seeds of many wild plants that infest the fields, are 
crushed to obtain the oil. The stones of fruity, nuts of forest- 
trees, and ground-nutSjf yield an abundance of oil, which^ in 

* " The crop of linseed was considered very good in 1842, but I must con- 
fess it was, like the corn-crop, bad at the best, for I walked into many acre 
and half-acre patches (for that is the usual extent sown together), not more 
than from eighteen inches to two feet in length, and I found it by no means 
heavily seeded ; but during my stay of but a few days at Riga, I was equally 
astonished to see the number of crafts which arrived laden with that article, 
and as quickly cleared off by English, Scotch, and other vessels, many of which 
had been waiting several weeks for the arrival, and some after all obliged to 
return with only half a cargo. 

" Large orders for linseed had arrived from France in consequence of the 
failure of the hay crop ; there was a difficulty of supply. Upon inquiry I 
found that linseed was gathered by Polish Jews, about three or four hundred 
men and women, who had been many months collecting it through the interior 
of the country. As soon as the boats were unladen the crafts would be broken 
up and sold for fire-wood, after which the Jews would start off again upon 
another expedition. At Riga the linseed and other seeds arrive in such a bad 
state, from the adulteration of the Jew merchants, that the whole is obliged to 
be re-dressed for the English market. This accounts for the mixed state of 
the foreign cake. The corn is collected in the same way." — Extract from the 
published Notes of Mr. Salter taken during a Tour through Russia, ^"c. 

t The ground-nut is becoming also a valuable article of commerce, and this, 
with other nuts mentioned, yields a rich supply of oil and oil-cake for the use 
of cattle. (Sir Fowell Buxton's * Slave Trade and Remedy,' page 322.) Large 
quantities are also made in India. 



138 



FOREIGN OIL-CAKE. 



the form of cake, are largely exported from various quarters. 
And whither are they sent if not to England, the great mart of 
the world ? Let a cake be taken from every cargo that reaches 
our ports during a given period and examined, and I expect 
that scarcely two will be found alike. Now, if they were all 
made of linseed, they would of course, in some measure, corre- 
spond. But I much doubt whether even the presence of linseed 
could be discovered at all in some of them. Samples of cake 
have been sent to me for examination, and I have seen some 
tested in which the refuse of linseed was not perceptible, 
but enough of filthy sediment instead, at the bottom of the 
vessels. A few months since I paid a visit to one of the first 
corn-markets in this county, with the view of obtaining inform- 
ation respecting the quantity of oil-cake consumed in that 
neiirhbourhood. I was astonished at the enormous amount, 
which was calculated to exceed the absolute rental of the land. 
Some of the leading agriculturists assured me that their own 
consumption exceeded fifty tons each a-year ; that numbers con- 
sumed much more, even from one to two hundred tons. While 
conversing upon this subject, I was politely challenged by a 
merchant to inspect a sample of oil-cake which he had brought 
that day for sale, and to detect, if I could, anything besides 
hnseed. "For," said he, ''the maker with whom I deal has all 
his linseed sifted, so that no other ingredient may be incorpo- 
rated with it." He placed in my hands, in the presence of a 
third person, one of the best prepared cakes that I had ever 
seen ; but on breaking it, innumerable seeds of the sinapimis 
order were easily distinguished ; he frankly acknowledged his 
mistake. Nor do I attribute to our merchants in general 
any intention of palming upon the public a spurious article. 
The foreigners are the impostors ; the English the dupes. But 
will British agriculturists any longer expend their millions with 
foreigners ? Already the eff'ects of the tariff and of the corn- 
law are felt in the reduction of the price of meat and of barle}^ 
Now every farmer who fattens his cattle with foreign cake, in- 
directly becomes himself an importer, and contributes directly 
to reduce the price of those articles ; for all the meat raised 
from the use of cake might have been produced from his own 
corn, the supply at market lessened, and a consequent higher 



PRICES OF BARLEY AND OIL-CAKE. 



139 



price obtained for that sold. Hence we may reasonably account 
for the low price of barley, the high price of oil-cake, and the 
unprofitable returns for grazing. The reason assigned for the 
low price of barley was an immense supply beyond the demand. 
A precisely opposite reason was assigned for the high price of 
oil-cake, for the demand exceeded the supply. At one time the 
farmer had, I beheve, to accept from 10/. to 121. per last for 
his barley, and to pay from lOZ. to 12^. per ton for cake. There- 
fore the cost of a ton of cake was the price of twenty coombs of 
barley ; and we are entitled to assume that, for every ton of 
cake consumed, twenty coombs of barley were forced upon the 
market, which would have afforded, upon the principle I have 
laid down, six tons and a half of compound. To form some idea 
of the gross amount of barley that might have been consumed 
instead of cake, we have merely to suppose that fifty thousand 
tons were imported ; now, as twenty coombs of barley were only 
equal to one ton of cake, fifty thousand tons of cake were equal 
to twenty times fifty thousand, or one million coombs of barley ; 
therefore, as twenty coombs of barley will make six tons and a 
half of compound, a million would have afforded three hundred 
and twenty-five thousand tons, all of which I calculate would have 
been a clear saving, and returned to the pocket in the sale of 
meat : because if one-sixth of the barley sent to market last year 
had been withheld and made into compound, the j)robabihty is 
that, consequent on a short supply, the price would have ad- 
vanced 3^. per coomb, and the remaining five parts realised 
something more than the whole six — that is to say, as sixty 
coombs of barley, at 125. per coomb, would amount to 36/., 
fifty coombs at 15^. would obtain 371. lOs. ; consequently ten 
coombs in every sixty have been worse than thrown away, for 
the money was given to the encouragement of foreign agri- 
culture, and to the employment of foreign labourers, while 
English labourers, for the want of work, were compelled to 
seek an asylum in Union-houses, where they were maintained 
in idleness. 

Scarcely a guinea of those immense sums paid by the farmers 
of this to the farmers of a foreign country for oil-cake meets an 
adequate return. Thousands of bullocks are often sold in 
Smith field which do not pay the wages for tending, and some 



140 



FOREIGN MANURES. 



not even the drover's expenses. The best returns seldom leave 
anything for cake ; and so long as foreign produce is substituted 
for our own to fatten cattle, the effect will be similar. Besides^ 
the demand for barley, from many causes, decreases every year ; 
and as the ports are open at a less rate of dut}^, the surplus 
must be infinitely greater. Surely, then, it must be incumbent 
on the agriculturists of this country to alter their system, and 
obtain a supply of artificial food from the resources of their 
own soil. In proportion as the cultivation of barley could be 
curtailed, the supply must necessarily be diminished, and the 
command of price placed more in the grower's power. The 
money value to him of the less supply would^ as I have at- 
tempted to show, be equal to that of the larger. To prevent 
so great an excess in future, the appropriation of one acre in 
seven of all lands that were intended to be sown with barley to 
the growth of linseed, peas, and beans, would reduce the supply 
to the extent I have mentioned ; have precisely the same effect 
on the price of barley ; be extremely beneficial to the soil in 
the rotation of crops ; and afford some millions of tons of 
nutritious food, upon which cattle and sheep will thrive beyond 
the belief of those who have never tried the experiment, re- 
turning at the same time as rich and lasting a description of 
manure as can possibly be obtained from any other source. 

Connected with our present system of farming is an immense 
annual outlay for foreign manures, and in which doubtless as 
many impositions are practised as with cake. I believe if the 
Belgian mode of making manure were practised in this country, 
we should be rendered perfectly independent of foreign aid. 
The Flemish farmers say, "that without manure there is no 
corn ; without cattle there is no manure ; without green crops 
and roots cattle cannot be kept ; and he who can make manure 
at the least cost is the best farmer." 

I have long exemplified the beneficial results of house- 
feeding cattle on green crops, and now all my bullocks are 
provided with a separate box. 

I do not speak of turnips, because the management of that 
crop is too Avell known to require any observations from me. 
But with respect to the economy of carrying grass from the 
field and giving it to bullocks in houses, cut short with an 



LUCERN AND POTATOES. 



141 



engine (Dyball's), perhaps a few remarks may not be super- 
fluous. The greatest care should be paid to the economical 
use of straw in winter, so that a proper supply may be at hand 
for summer-grazing. One half of the straw generally consumed 
in farm-yards might by care and attention be reserved for this 
purpose : first, by properly stacking and thatching it ; secondly, 
by placing troughs * upon the buildings to conduct the rain- 
water from the yards ; and, thirdly, by keeping cattle longer in 
the fields in winter. There is no question as to the benefit 
derived from consuming turnips on the land in winter, but 
considerable doubts are entertained respecting feeding off grass 
in summer. I have heard it repeatedly asserted that better 
wheat is grown where grass has been mowed for hay than 
where it has been fed down. This has been frequently proved 
in fields divided by hurdles, one part fed, the other mowed, 
but both treated alike for wheat. Admitting that the land 
obtains no perceptible benefit by feeding off the grass in 
summer, how strongly does it argue in favour of feeding 
cattle in boxes, if only for the sake of the manure ! But the 
advantage is greatly augmented when we consider that one 
acre will house-feed three bullocks; whereas it will require 
three acres to graze them in the field. Taking the value of 
the manure into consideration, the superiority of box-feeding 
is incalculably great. 

A piece of lucern, in proportion to the size of every farm, 
ought to be grown, and a few acres of early potatoes planted. 
These will always afford a supply, should the grass at any time 
fail, and they will be found convenient as a change of food. 
If not wanted, the potatoes of course will remain as winter 
store. To this system let the use of compound be added, 
and the farmer will be rendered comparatively independent 
of turnips, which, at best, is an expensive and precarious crop. 

Great disappointment is often experienced in the use of oil- 
cake. Bullocks will refuse to eat it, if previously fed with 
some of a better quality ; and it is but reasonable to suppose 
that their progress must be greatly retarded by a change for 

* Cast-iron troughs are sold at Qd. per foot, the cost of which would be 
amply repaid the first year ; and they could remain as farm-covenants if put 
up by the tenant. 



142 



ON THE USE OF LINSEED. 



the worse. But no such inconveniences adhere to the use of 
compound, for the 

Degrees of Fattening 

may be regulated in strict accordance with the convenience and 
intention of the farmer, by mixing up a small quantity of linseed 
at first, and increasing it at pleasure. Upon this principle the 
condition of cattle may be advanced or retarded as circum- 
stances require ; and the grazier who has a store of linseed at 
command will be protected from loss under any emergency, 
either from the want of grass, through the heat and drought 
of summer, or turnips, through the frosts of winter. Also, in 
every case where milk is required, linseed will be found a 
powerful auxiliary, whether for calves, for lambs, or for pigs.* 
Adequately to portray its value to the fold, the dairy, and the 
stable, would require an additional volume, so diversified are 
its properties, and so easy their application ; as the subjoined 
letter, published in December last, will in some degree 
elucidate. 



ON THE USE OF LINSEED. 

To the Editor of . 

Sir, 

The season has arrived when any suggestions on 
economical methods of feeding cattle must be received with 
interest. 

Hitherto I have afforded information mth reference more to 
fat than to lean stock, and am daily gratified by accounts of the 
advantages derived. But were my correspondents to offer 
the result of their experience through the public papers, they 
would aid my labours, confer inestimable benefits upon the 
agricultural community, and promote the cause of philanthropy. 

* Observe, linseed compounds are not adapted to the fattening of pigs. A 
correspondent informed me that he tried the experiment, and that the pork 
was unsaleable. 



ON THE USE OF LINSEED. 



143 



For it is only by corroborative evidence that we can expect to 
remove prejudice, induce farmers to adopt new systems, and 
confer upon the population the blessings of increased pro- 
duction. 

In Norfolk generally, and in many parts of other counties, 
the use of linseed to fatten bullocks and sheep is beginning to 
be understood. Many suppose that they are sufficiently ac- 
quainted with its properties; but we have yet much to learn 
as to the extent of its value/particularly for rearing store stock 
in combination with box-feeding and summer-grazing. The 
direct advantage is seen in the rapid progress of the cattle ; 
the indirect, in the superiority of the crops where the manure 
thus obtained has been applied. Formerly, through ignorance 
of management, linseed^ as cattle-food, failed to remunerate, 
and consequently its use had long been discontinued in this 
county. But, during the last four years, the demand has been 
greater than the supply — an incontestable proof of the efficacy 
of linseed compounds. 

Many farm premises have been metamorphosed through the 
conversion of sheds into boxes, and the addition of new ones ; 
not by amateur farmers alone, who are too often influenced by 
plausible theories, but by men of long experience and sound 
judgment. I subjoin^ with much satisfaction, an extract from 
a letter inserted in the 'Sussex Herald,' by Sir Charles 
Burrell, Bart. ; a plan of whose boxes, boiling-house, &c., and 
those of many other landowners and tenant-farmers, I purpose 
to embody in my forthcoming work. 

" I cannot lose the opportunity of repeating my entire satis- 
faction derived from Mr. Warnes's box-feeding system as set 
forth in his pamphlets, and brought into both summer and 
winter practice on my farm, the beasts thriving rapidly on the 
compound made of crushed linseed, with bean, barley, or other 
meal, boiled and formed into a mass ; with which my beasts 
have thriven more advantageously than others on oil-cake, and 
at less cost; and, as regards the excellence and flavour of the 
meat, it is superior, and specially tender and juicy. And if 
further proof were desirable, it is afforded in their ready sale 
to the neighbouring butchers, and in the intended increase. 



144 



ON THE USE OF LINSEED. 



early in the spring, of the number of my cattle-boxes, from the 
roofs of which the rain-water will be saved in one or more 
spacious tanks arched over, similar to one which wholly sup- 
plies my hot and green houses. With respect to particular 
statements of comparative cost in feeding on Mr. Warnes's 
system, it seems to me prudent to state no corrected calcula- 
tions until I have completed two years' trial. Suffice it now, 
however, to add that I have sound grounds for preferring the 
box-feeding system to every other mode ; the food being 
cheaper, the cattle thriving faster, and the dung made being 
so much better, that we consider 12 loads thereof equal to 20 
loads from oil-cake-fed beasts, whether tied up or otherwise. 
Moreover, the very recent date of your letter precludes the 
making accurate calculations ; but I hope that what I have 
stated will be plain and satisfactory. 

" Charles Merrick Burrell." 

The first range of boxes to which Sir Charles refers, were 
originally commodious pig-sties. 

W. W. Whitmore, Esq., of Dudmanston, Shropshire, is 
engaged, at the present time, in transforming a barn into a 
double, and some adjoining bullock-sheds into a single, row of 
boxes, with lofts for provender ; all which, communicating with 
the cooking-house, originally a dairy, form a complete esta- 
blishment, and at a cost comparatively nominal. This gentle- 
man's plan embraces 40 boxes, capable of containing 50 or 60 
bullocks. 

The Rev. J. C. Blair Warren, of Horkesley Hall, has about 
50 boxes, on various parts of his premises, arranged and 
constructed upon principles alike economical. But the most 
compact establishment that I have yet had the pleasure of 
inspecting is that of H. S. Partridge, Esq., of Hockham Hall, 
comprising, under one roof, accommodation for 14 bullocks ; 
a boiling-house, with coppers and a pump; a turnip-house, 
and chambers for hay ; and cutting and linseed-crushing ma- 
chines. 

I mention these circumstances to show that all farm premises 
may, by a little consideration and contrivance, be similarly 
converted, and every farmer in the kingdom be stimulated to 



FEEDING SHEEP ON LINSEED. 



145 



adopt a system that will ensure profit to himself, rent to his 
landlord, and employment to his labourers ; because it would 
enable him to double his usual number of cattle, to make two 
returns of fat bullocks in a year, and to apply to his land an 
abundance of efficacious manure : a system based upon funda- 
mental principles, depending upon its own resources, requiring 
neither foreign food, foreign manures, nor chemical prepa- 
rations : a system simple in practice, powerful in effect, and 
applicable to every grade of farmer : a system more important, 
if possible, to the breeder than to the grazier, if we may judge 
from the remarks of the Duke of Buccleuch, at a meeting of 
the Dumfries Agricultural Association ; and from the mise- 
rable spectacles that appear in our cattle-markets — spectacles 
at variance both with humanity and judicious management. His 
Grace animadverted upon the deteriorating effect of keeping 
cattle upon straw in winter, and advised the adoption of some 
method that would, at least, retain the condition acquired in 
the summer, and improve the manure. Linseed-meal boiled 
for a few minutes, and intimately incorporated with straw, 
will achieve both objects. For instance, Mr. Partridge has 
21 score of ewes, to which a peck only is given per day, at the 
cost of Is. 9d., or a penny per score, including the expense of 
crushing, boiling, &c. 

That so small a quantity of linseed should be divided 
amongst 420 sheep, must, of course, appear paradoxical ; but 
the following explanation will remove doubt : — 

A peck of linseed reduced to fine meal is stirred into twenty 
gallons of water ; in about ten minutes, the mucilage being 
formed, a pail-full is poured, by one person, upon two bushels 
of cut hay thrown into a strong trough, while another mixes it 
with a fork, and hastens the absorption with a small rammer. 
The like quantity of chaff is next added with the mucilage 
as before, till the copper is empty. The mass being firmly 
pressed down, is, after a short time, carried in sacks to the 
fold, where I had the pleasure of witnessing the avidity with 
which sheep devour hay, before so ordinary that they refused 
to eat. As the lambing season advances, and circumstances 
require, the proportion of linseed will be increased — a method 
that all who are straitened for provender will find it their 

L 



146 



PEOGRESS OF THE BOX-FEEDING SYSTEM. 



Interest to adopt ; remembering that this mixture is alike ser- 
viceable to lean cattle and to horses, and that the straw of peas 
and the stalks of beans are second only to hay. A few Swede 
turnips, mangold-wurzel, or carrots, sliced very small, and 
added to the water when first put into the copper, will much 
improve the compound. 

In offering, or rather in repeating, the above hints, I disclaim 
every consideration but that of assisting my countrymen in 
these perplexing and alarming times. Under happier cir- 
cumstances, it would be the duty of every occupier of the soil 
to ascertain the extent of his own resources. But at the 
present crisis, the investigation is rendered imperative in 
a tenfold degree. The farmer must remember, that other 
interests are involved besides his own, and that he must no 
longer turn a deaf ear to the calls for improvement on 
account of imaginary trouble. For although a Protec- 
tionist myself, I am confident that a free trade in corn, with 
its consequent evils, can only be averted by " increased pro- 
duction." 

John Warnes, Jun. 

Trimingham, Dec. ISth, 1845. 

P.S.— W. H. Windham, Esq., of Felbrig Hall, has about 40 
boxes upon his Park Farm, and, with Lord Wodehouse, Sir 
Edward Stracey, Bart., and other landlords in Norfolk, has 
commenced the erection of boxes for their tenants, according to 
the annexed plans. 

Calves might, upon the compound system of feeding in boxes, 
be made to weigh 30 or 40 stone each (of 14 lbs.) at a year 
old. Two returns of fat cattle in a year may be effected. But 
success will in a great measure depend upon particularity of 
feeding and cleanliness. A bullock ought never to be long 
without food, and a clean lock of straw to rest upon ; for when 
he ceases to eat he will lie down and ruminate, seldom rising 
except to eat again. Let those who wish to try the experiment 
place their bullocks in boxes on the first of January, and return 
them at the end of June, Avhen they will have consumed the 
last of the turnips, which are the worst, and the first of the 
grass, which is the best ; then replace them with the others. 



1 



PROFIT ON AN OX FED WITH COMPOUND. 



147 



which will consume the last of the grass, which is the worst, and 
the first of the turnips, which are the best, allowing them a 
liberal and equal proportion of compound. 

It will easily be seen that the advantage of a quick return 
consists in selling the same weight of bones with a less propor- 
tion of meat than if kept a longer period to obtain a greater 
increase. For, keeping the same price of meat in view, sup- 
pose an ox is sent, after having been grazed six months, to 
market, and you are offered 2 1/, for him, at 7s. per stone, which 
you refuse, and keep him six months longer ; you then sell him 
at 7s. per stone ; the increased weight during the latter time 
will chiefly consist of meat, and the return for food will be much 
less than for the former six months. 

To make the case more clear. I expect that an ox purchased 
at ten guineas, would at the end of six months weigh 60 stone, 
of 14 lbs, to the stone, which, if sold at 7s. per stone, would 
amount to 21/., and repay for his keeping 10 guineas; but if 
retained six months longer, his weight would not exceed 80 
stone, which would only amount to 28/., leaving a balance in 
favour of the quick return of 3/. \0s. 

In the following series of letters I have endeavoured in 
some measure to afford information alike advantageous to all 
who have stock to maintain. In their perusal the reader will 
perceive that it is not by the profuse, but by the economical, 
use of linseed that its real value can be ascertained, and 
that time and experience alone are required to develop the 
immeasurable advantages to the British nation of the flax 
crop. 



SERIES OF LETTERS 

ox THE 

CULTIVATION OF FLAX; 

THE FATTENING OF CATTLE WITH NATIVE PRODUCE, 

BOX-FEEDING, 

SUMMER GRAZING. 



^^^^ 



SERIES OF LETTERS. 



No. I. 

To the Editor of . 

Sir, 

I AM sure you will readily afford me an opportunity of 
offering, through the medium of your paper, some informa- 
tion to the public on the above important subjects, acquired 
by experience. I desire to do so in a series of short letters, 
in order that objections may be answered before I repub- 
lish them in the form of a pamphlet for general circulation. 
I shall be happy to reply to any public or private communi- 
cations, as my object is to arrive at, and to promulgate, right 
conclusions. 

Flax, at the present moment, when so many inquiries are 
being made respecting the proper time and method of harvest- 
ing the crop, claims our first consideration. 

The proper time, of course, is when the utmost profit to the 
grower may be secured. In Belgium, early pulling is said to 
produce finer flax ; but when adopted the seed is chiefly, if not 
entirely, sacrificed. In Holland, on the contrary, early pulled 
flax, though finer, is considered to be weaker, and to lose much 
of its weight while being scutched and prepared for market. 
In Ireland, till within a year or two, no regard was paid to 
the seed, but now, the Irish are anxious to preserve it. In- 
deedj the importance of this part of the crop is so generally 
understood, that comparatively very little flax at the present 
day is pulled, in any part of the world, till the seed has arrived 
at maturity. 



152 



INDIRECT ADVANTAGES OF FLAX GROAVIJ^G. 



In this country, where the seed, as an ingredient of the 
cattle-compound, has been proved of such incalculable value, 
the strictest regard ought to be paid to its preservation ; other- 
wise, the present attempt to cultivate flax must inevitably fail, 
as did that in 1531, when a statute was enacted requiring that 
for every 60 acres of land fit for tillage, one rood should be 
sown with flax and hemp -seed ; and in 1767, when 15,000/. 
were proposed to be divided amongst the most successful culti- 
vators of those plants. 

At that period the value of the seed as cattle-food was 
unknown : it was therefore disregarded, and the only chance 
of remuneration centred in the fibre. But to us flax is a double 
crop, the most important part of which is the seed. For ad- 
mitting that the flax will obtain more money at market, yet, 
the seed being consumed by cattle on the land where grown, 
difi'uses its influence over the whole farm, and returns to the 
pocket a tenfold greater profit in the shape of meat and corn, 
&c., &c. 

The indirect Rdva^ntsiges of growing flax are infinitely superior 
to the direct. It is impossible fully to estimate them ; nor can 
they be ever rightly appreciated till experience has made them 
sure. In former times the exercise of agricultural skill was 
extremely limited ; and whether flax or wheat, the exhausting 
efi*ects of a good crop were not easily remedied. Then, suffi- 
cient hands were scarcel}^ found to till the soil ; now, science 
has advanced in an extraordinar}^ degree, aided by industry, 
learning, and chemical research, so that deterioration of soil is 
no lonsrer to be feared. Besides, we have now an overwhelm- 
ing population, to find employ ment for which all the skill of 
scientific men, and all the eff*orts of a talented and powerful 
government, are at a perfect stand: and why ? — Simply because 
they " vainly compass sea and land to obtain an alleviation of 
our national distress, while the finger of an all- bountiful Creator 
points to our own soil as the source whence the remed}^ can 
alone be derived." Yes, to our own soil ! And I confidently 
invite the candid and philanthropic mind to survey our present 
flax crops in Norfolk ; to take into consideration the five 
millions annually expended to maintain people in idleness, 
with the ten millions sent out of the country every year to 



THE author's interview WITH MESSRS. MARSHALL. 153 

purchase this very crop — to the support and encouragement 
of foreign agriculture, and to the employment of tens of thou- 
sands of foreign labourers ; when I am persuaded that he will 
perceive a door open, by the cultivation of flax with reference 
to the seed^ for universal employment, and consequently for the 
advancement of our best interests and the overthrow of the 
ruinous designs of those itinerant demagogues who infest the 
land at the present day. 

Workmen from Belgium have lately arrived in this neigh- 
bourhood to assist in pulling and preparing our flax — men of 
experience, who state that they never saw finer crops, and that 
they are superior this year to those of their own country. 

I returned last week from a journey of 700 miles, under- 
taken for the purpose of obtaining information respecting this 
important object. I took with me many specimens of the 
past and present years' crops of flax and submitted them to 
the inspection of experienced persons, all of whom were sur- 
prised at the perfection to which we had arrived in so short a 
time, and agreed in the opinion, that the cultivation of this 
plant ought to become a national undertaking. At Leeds I 
had a long conference with the Messrs. Marshall, proprietors of 
the extensive flax-spinning mills in that town, who renewed 
their declarations of willingness to co-operate in promoting so 
desirable an end. No higher authority can be adduced than 
this eminent firm, because, independent of the influence which 
their immense purchases must have had in stimulating the 
growth of flax in foreign parts, they subscribed largely and 
expressly for that purpose, and are now anxious to promote an 
extended cultivation of the plant at home. I repeat, that 
these gentlemen take a deep interest in our present proceed- 
ings, and, therefore, any advice through such a medium 
relative to the pulling of the present crops must be received 
with peculiar interest. They recommend us to allow the 
seed first nearly to ripen in the bolls, then to pull, dry, 
and stack the flax. Afterwards to thresh the seed from the 
stalks at our leisure, and prepare the flax for sale with a 
scutching-mill. Their opinion is, that we are likely to ensure 
a more profitable return upon this system than upon any other. 
To illustrate their views, I would instance my present grow- 



TIME FOR PULLING FLAX. 



ing crops, consisting of about twelve acres, ten of which were 
sown to obtain the finer description of flax. I consider the 
seed^ merely for crushing purposes, to be worth at least 60/. 
Now, were the flax to be immediately pulled, the whole of this 
sum would be lost ; for, admitting that part of the seed might 
arrive at a certain degree of maturity, yet the quantity would 
be so small, and the quality so inferior, that it would not repay 
the cost of rippling. 

The best criterion for judging the proper time for pulling 
flax, is precisely that which would influence every judicious 
farmer in shearing his wheat or mowing his oats, viz. : — when 
the major part of the straw turns yellow, and the kernel of the 
principal ears brown. With flax, as with those grains, it is 
perhaps better to begin a little too early than too late. The 
method of pulling flax is merely to collect a small quantity in 
the left hand, and to pluck it with the right placed about half 
way down the stalks. The hands may thus be quickly filled, 
and the flax laid upon the ground, the bolls of one handful 
being placed by the root ends of another. Afterwards children 
carry each handful to the person who forms it into stooks. In 




the course of a few days, according to the weather, they may 
be turned, and when dried to the state in which hay would not 
heat on the stack, it should be tied up in small sheaves, about 
twenty-four inches in circumference, and either put into a barn 
or stacked. Or, if found necessary to tie up the flax before 
it is sufficiently weathered, the sheaves may be set up in the 
field. All weeds ought to be carefully taken out of the flax 
as soon as pulled; long and short stalks should be tied in 
separate sheaves, which is easily arranged at the time of 
pulling. Indeed, every process connected with the cultivation, 
growth, and preparation of the crop, is extremely simple. 



PRICE OF FLAX IN BELGIUM. 155 

requiring the activity of a practical hand more than the efforts 
of an ingenious head. 

I remain. Sir, your obedient servant, 

John Warnes, Jun. 

July 2bth, 1843. 



No. II. 

Sir, 

Having concluded my first letter with directions for 
harvesting flax, I will now proceed to make a few observations 
upon its value, because at this particular juncture a general 
inquiry is being made on this point, which of all others is the 
most important, and respecting which I feel most anxious : 
for unless a fair profit can be realised, the grower will of course 
cease to cultivate the plant for the fibre, and the incalculable 
advantages arising from that part of the crop would be lost to 
the country. It has been repeatedly shown, that where flax 
has been cultivated in this neighbourhood, principally with the 
view of obtaining linseed to fatten cattle, the results have been 
highly satisfactory, and therefore I entertain no doubt on that 
head. 

The value of a flax crop is twofold — direct and indirect. 
The direct is the profit in money which the grower obtains 
over and above all expenses. There are two ways of disposing 
of this crop, viz. : — while in its green growing state, to pur- 
chasers called factors ; and next, after it has been properly 
prepared, to the agent for the spinning-mills. The latter I 
conceive to be the most profitable plan ; but the former is the 
least trouble, and now most practised on the Continent, where 
the factor pays down the money for the crop before it is pulled, 
and defrays every after expense. 

From the most authentic sources of information, I gather, 
that flax in the best cultivated districts sells for 25/. and 
upwards per acre, Flemish measure, which is something less 
than ours. The Messrs. Marshall^, of Leeds, inform me that 
from calculations they have obtained, it appears that the acre- 



156 



ENGLISH AND IRISH FLAX. 



able value of flax in Belgium ranges from 19/. to 25/., averaging 
22/. 10s. per acre, which I expect does not include the seed. 

Mr. Trask, of Brimpton Yeovil, Somersetshire, observes, 
that at the present day flax is only worth about 5/. lOs. a pack 
of 240 lbs. ; that three packs are grown to the acre, or 51 stone 
6 lbs.: this gives 16/. IO5. per acre exclusive of the seed, which 
at only 5/. would make the crop worth 21/. lOs. per acre. Mr. 
Trask adds, that probably the neighbourhood in which I live, 
or at least the county of Somerset, grows more flax and manu- 
factures more canvass than all England besides." I therefore 
conclude, from their growing flax to make such coarse material 
as canvass, that its quality is far from fine, but that under the 
improved cultivation, and modern system of preparing for 
market, it would be worth several pounds per acre more. 

Mr. Wolstenholme, of Ireland, had, according to the account 
in my tract on the Advantages of growing Linseed, 15 acres of 
flax, which produced 1050 stone of fibre, and 345 bushels of 
seed, the amount of which was 523/. 2^. 6d. ; or for seed 
129/. 7s. 6d., and 393/. 15s. for the flax; or 34/. 17s. 6d. per 
Irish acre, which, being a fifth more than the English, would 
give us 27/. 18s. per acre. 

Taking therefore the average of the English, Irish, and 
Belgian accounts, the amount per acre will be 24/., including 
all expenses. 

The crops in England and Ireland this year are extremely 
fine, of which I have now before me very many specimens sent 
by post and otherwise ; and I cannot doubt but that the most 
remunerative flax will produce from 40 to 50 stone per acre, 
and be worth from 8s. to 12s., and perhaps 15s. per stone; 
now taking the medium weight of 45 stone, at 10s. per stone, 
the crop would amount to 22/. 10s. per acre, exclusive of the 
seed 

I invited the three Belgian flax-dressers employed in this 
neighbourhood to examine my own crops, which they said were 
"good, very good," ^'fine, very fine " They were astonished 
at the size of my fields, having never seen any so large, entirely 
with flax, in their own country. We were accompanied by 
Mr. Watteyne, the son of an opulent flax-merchant in Belgium. 
While looking over my best piece of six acres, I asked him what 



STATE OF THE COUNTRY. 



157 



the factors would be likely to give for the flax, provided it 
were growing in Belgium ; he replied 25/. per acre. 

The expenses of harvesting the crop and preparing it for 
sale through all its stages, must, to us, who have everything to 
learn^ be much greater than if we were all thoroughly ac- 
quainted with the business. I, therefore, after taking all cir- 
cumstances into consideration, feel warranted in offering an 
opinion, that where flax is about three feet long, fine in the 
stalk and thick in the ground, the grower ought not to take 
less than about 16Z. per acre for it, the purchaser being at all 
expenses connected with pulling, &c. 

The seed on no account ought to be sold ; for, in my state- 
ments respecting the indirect advantages of growing flax, 
I shall be able to show that its value to the farmer is in- 
estimable. 

My remarks upon the indirect value of the flax crop I shall 
defer, and allow the subject of box- feeding cattle next to en- 
gage our attention, being of more consequence at the present 
time. I intend next week, if you can afford me space, to offer 
to the public a sketch, ground-plan, and elevation of my boxes 
as an illustration of the letter that will accompany them. 

John Warnes. 

August 2nd, 1843. 



No. III. 

Sir, 

A DESIRE to seek at a distance for comforts and benefits 
that maybe had close at hand, is a strong propensity in human 
nature, more easy to discover than to account for. 

The present state of our country powerfully illustrates the 
above remark ; for we find that the time, talents, and learning 
of Great Britain are almost exclusively devoted to the search 
after a remedy for our national difficulties in far distant lands. 

Strange infatuation! paralyzing at once the efforts of native 
industry, and closing the only avenue through which we can 
obtain relief. 



158 BOX-FEEDING LONG PARTIALLY PRACTISED. 

In forwarding the outline of my Bullock -boxes, I have 
no intention of claiming the merit of invention, or of ori- 
ginality in any of the experiments that I have made. Were 
I to do so, I should put myself upon a level Vvith those pre- 
tenders who, having obtained patents for their discoveries, 
deprive the real inventors both of the credit and the profit of 
their ingenuity. 

The system of feeding cattle in boxes has been long partially 
practised in various parts of the kingdom, and the growth of 
flax, from time immemorial. The fattening of cattle with 
linseed was in full operation by the Hindoos 1500 years ago, 
and in modern times in England, particularly in Norfolk, 
repeated attempts were made by the most expert graziers to 
establish the use of linseed, without success. 

Summer-feedino- also in stalls or houses has been lonsf much 
practised on the Continent and in Ireland. Turn to the pages 
of the Report of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, 
to those of the ' Farmer's Magazine,' and to a pamphlet by 
Mr. Hillyard, of Thorplands, Northumberland, and abundant 
information on these subjects will be obtained. 

In Mr. Blaker's valuable essay on the improvement to be 
made in the cultivation of small farms in Ireland by house - 
feeding cattle, on green crops, I discovered the great benefits 
to be derived from that system. 

On Mr. Baker's premises, at Acle, I first saAV bullocks and 
sheep fattened in boxes ; and, to the experiments of the 
patriotic Sir Edward Stracey in boiling grain, I added the 
linseed infusion, and thus produced the incomparable cattle- 
compound. I merely claim for myself the merit of embodying 
the useful ideas and plans of others, in such a form as to render 
them a permanent support to every grade of tenant farmer — an 
effectual protection to the interests of the landlord, and a 
remedy for the present distress arising from the want of em- 
ployment. 

Allow me to thank you for permitting my letters to appear 
verbatim. I trust they will not involve you in any heavy 
responsibility, since my name will be attached to each ; nor will 
they occasion any very lengthened controversy, seeing that the 
topics advanced are entirely of a practical nature, and easily 



THE AUTHOR ANSWERS TWO OBJECTIONS. 



159 



solved by question and answer. By submitting my letters to 
public criticism, before they re-appear in the form of a pam- 
phlet, opportunity will be afforded for objections to be made 
and removed. Thus, a work of permanent value would be 
produced, which the landlord, the tenant, and the labourer 
would see it their best interest to support. 

Two objections only have reached me, for which I am much 
obliged : — one through the ' Chronicle ' of last week, " under 
the sanction," it is said, ''of the Hon. W. R. Rous," President 
of the Norfolk Flax Society ; to which I beg to reply, that I 
write, not for the locality of North Walsham, but for the king- 
dom at large ; — the other, from a respected correspondent, who 
has erred in not perceiving that I used the word " demagogue " 
in the plural number with reference to the present state of the 
United Kingdom, and not as a term of ''personal abuse to the 
Anti-Corn-Law League." Nor do I consider the word 
" demagogue " by any means abusive. In the pages of 
Universal History it is always applied to parties similar to 
those whom I venture to oppose. Look at Wales and Ireland, 
as well as England ! Are not itinerant demagogues vigorously 
engaged in taking advantage of the prevailing distress amongst 
the working classes in order to carry out their revolutionary 
designs ? 

Already I have in some measure foretold that the ''cannon's 
mouth might be required to calm our fears ; such an expedient 
is now in force ; but, unless work is provided for the people, I 
repeat that it can only last for a time, because the tide of an 
unemployed population must eventually overwhelm all." 

Can the destruction of Toll-bars, and the non-payment of 
Tithes, find employment for the people in Wales ? Would the 
Repeal of the Union, and the abolition of the Protestant Church 
in Ireland, find employment for the starving population of that 
country ? Could a Free Trade in Corn, that would throw out 
of cultivation half the land in England, find employment for 
our redundant population t — It would be absurd to suppose 
so. Yet the promoters of those agitations, and the leaders 
whom 1 designate demagogues, allure their followers into the 
persuasion that the protective duties — the union between Eng- 
land and Ireland — and the security which the laws afford to 



160 



COBBETT AND HIS ADHERENTS. 



private property, are the main barriers against an effectual 
employment of the working classes at adequate wages. How 
truly it is said of such men, that a plausible insignificant word 
in the mouth of an expert demagogue is a dangerous and dread- 
ful weapon !" 

The question naturally ariseS;, what is a demagogue ? I 
reply, it is a sort of tumour on the body politic, to reduce which 
the unskilful physician aj)plies violent repellants, regardless 
of the seat of the disorder ; but the more prudent practitioner 
first minutely investigates the cause — there applies the remedy, 
and the tumour gradually disappears. — The nation at the pre- 
sent time is overrun with these tumours, the cause of which 
is the want of employment. To supply this want, I continue to 
propose the cultivation of flax, &c., according to the plans laid 
down in my pamphlets, which I intend to enforce in the present 
series. 

Cobbett was a demagogue. Some 20 or 30 years ago, he 
paid a visit to the town of Holt, in this county, and sowed the 
seeds of disafi'ection in the minds of many spirited farmers and 
tradesmen in that place and neighbourhood. Unhappily the 
seed fell on ground prepared. It took root and sprang up ; 
and when on some public occasion I dined at Holt, the fruit 
was fully ripe, for amongst other revolutionary toasts, that 
of Mr. Cobbett's health, Avith an appropriate sentiment, was 
proposed. Upon this announcement I promptly turned down 
my glass. I was observed and called to order, but I firmly 
resisted the invitation to cheer the man whose politics I per- 
ceived were subversive of the best interests even of those who 
were so eager to propose the toast. A song followed, the chorus 
to which was ''Fall, tyrants, fall." 

It is a remarkable fact, that every aj^plauding individual of 
that party, in a very few years, fell one after another, — became 
bankrupt, and some were reduced to the extreme of indigence 
and misery. Throughout the kingdom thousands of Cobbett's 
adherents met a similar fate. These circumstances I would 
gladly have related at the meeting of the Corn-Law League 
at Norwich, with the hope that they might serve as a warning 
to the tenant farmers of the present day not to be deluded by 
the insidious suggestions and schemes proposed for their relief. 



WASTE LANDS IN IRELAND. 



161 



By this motive alone am I now actuated ; and most sincerely 
do I desire that the miseries to which I have alluded may be 
averted from my countrymen ; miseries that not only filled 
the newspapers with advertisements of the farmers', but of the 
tradesmen s stock ; when the value of property was reduced to 
so low an ebb, that in many instances purchasers were not to 
be found even at public auctions. The affecting remembrance 
of those times can never be effaced — times that must occur 
again under our present circumstances with a free trade in 
corn. Then will the tenant, who may have obtained the utmost 
reduction of rent that he could conscientiously ask, perceive too 
late that land rent-free could not prevent his ruin. The free 
trade in corn that I would advocate is that which might easily 
be derived from the millions of acres of waste lands in Ireland, 
which, like Joseph's granaries, are stored with abundance. To 
unlock them it only requires the key of enterprise, and then, 
like Joseph, the Irish would freely give us of their corn in 
return for our money. The exchange would tend greatly to 
advance our sister kingdom, and secure our national inde- 
pendence. The supply derived from thence, with a general 
improvement in our present cultivation, would meet all our 
necessities. Home commerce languishes for the circulation of 
those sums annually sent abroad for wheat. To ensure per- 
manent prosperity to the community, it is said, the price of 
wheat ought to fluctuate at a lower rate ; I admit it ; but at 
the same time, I aver that that reduction and fluctuation must 
be maintained by native resources alone. The price of wheat 
is immaterial to the farmer, provided he is remunerated, which 
is now oftener the case, with a plentiful crop and a low price, 
than with a scanty one and a high price. How anxious then 
should he be to increase the productiveness of his land, and to 
render his country independent of foreign aid ! This may be 
accomplished if British farmers are true to themselves. May 
they firmly resist the temptation to unite in the unreasonable 
outcry against their landlords ! and soon the present storm will 
blow over, the revolutionary clouds be dispersed, and the sun 
of national prosperity shine again. 

It is impossible for the inexperienced to form a correct 
estimate of the advantages of box-feeding cattle. The plan is 

M 



162 



COST OF BULLOCK-BOXES. 



simple and feasible, — its greatest recommendation. Lofty and 
incomprehensible theories have been too long obtruded upon 
the agricultural community, to the exclusion of those benefits 
which were absolutely within their grasp. The farmer's 
attention has been directed to fattening his cattle upon foreign 
food, and to the vain attempt of enriching his land by foreign 
manure, instead of obtaining both from the resources of his 
own farm. In attempting to point those out, I am sensible 
that I shall again be subjected to the fate of a prophet in his 
own country. 

The sketch, given in the Appendix, represents the elevation of 
one angle of my boxes, and the ground-plan of the whole, in- 
cluding passages, space for cribs, grinding, turnip, grass, and 
straw houses. The angle in which the cooking department is 
situated consists of buildings that were formerly used as stables, 
&c. The whole is surrounded by a wall. The cost of erecting 
similar boxes, with the same advantage of a wall, including such 
materials and labour as could be fairly brought into the account, 
would average about thirty shillings a box ; which will be repaid 
in less than a year. For instance, if the erection of a box 
costs 3O5., and the bullock fattened in it pays that sum 
more than he would have done if grazed abroad, the money is, 
of course, returned to the pocket, and the box remains for 
future inhabitants. To be more explicit ; let twenty bullocks 
be equally divided, and ten fattened in boxes, and ten in the 
yard or field. I assert, that the former will pay 1 bl. more than 
the latter. But, in justice to my own experiments, I must 
add, that the advantage of box-feeding would be from two 
to three pounds per head over the field or yard, and the extra 
expense of attendance amply repaid by the economy of food. 

The description of these buildings is difficult, because, how- 
ever clear and explicit, it must convey ideas of magnitude and 
intricacy, while neither exists. To make ten boxes, a space 
'will be required of ninety feet long and twelve and a half wide ; 
then let a line be drawn from one end to the other three feet 
and a half wide from the side most convenient for the passage. 
Next let the mould, to the depth of one foot, be excavated from 
the other part, and thrown on the side intended for the front, 
and spread to the thickness of a foot deep. This will give two 



SUPERIORITY OF THE BOX-FEEDING SYSTEM. 



163 



feet from the bottom of the boxes to the surface. A wall of 
brick-work four inches wide and two feet high is next to be 
built round the inside of the part excavated^ and intersected at 
distances of eight feet and a half. At each angle the brick- 
work should be about nine or twelve inches square^ which will 
both support the posts and afford strength and durability. 
Upon the wall a sill of wood is next to be placed, for which 
purpose large poles, either squared or split, are adapted. The 
foundation being now complete, posts six feet long, and the 
necessary sills and ties, may be placed upon it. Across the ties 
the most ordinary poles may be laid to support a roof composed 
of the trimmings from hedges and ditches, and completed with 
a thatch of straw or rushes. Two gates, according to the draw- 
ing, must be added to each box ; one of which is to move on 
hinges, and the other to be secured to the top and bottom sills 
of the building, so as to be taken down at pleasure. Presuming 
that we have taken advantage of a barn or other walls on farm 
premises, the external part is finished. The internal has merely 
to be parted off with a few poles between each bullock, and the 
passage separated by the cribs, which are to move up and down 
between the interior posts, which are placed upon the angles of 
each box and support the roof on the passage-side. 

The superiority of box-feeding and summer-grazing over 
any other system, I shall attempt to point out next week ; in 
the mean time, I offer the following questions for the calm 
consideration of all interested persons ; and I hope their calcu- 
lations will be made with the aid of pen and ink, that when 
mine shall appear they may be compared, squared, and the 
balance drawn, and then, I feel persuaded that the account 
will preponderate much in my favour. But there is a spirit 
in some men worse than prejudice, which I do not expect to 
overcome, nor shall I make the attempt. Time is the best 
developer of all things. 

1st. What are the advantages to be obtained by feeding 
cattle in boxes, with turnips, and with or without the addition 
of artificial food ? 

2nd. With grass, with or without the addition of artificial 
food? 

M 2 



164 



STRAW-HOUSES. 



3rcl. What extra degree of efficacy may be expected from 
the box manure over that of the farm-yard? 

In conclusion, I would observe that straw-houses are very 
necessary appendages to boxes. Their shape is immaterial, 
and structure simple. According to space in the yard, the 
circumference must be adapted. The earth should then be 
excavated to the depth of five or six feet, and a wall four 
inches thick of brick or stone be built from the bottom to the 
surface, which wall is then to be thickened and raised three 
feet higher, leaving a space for the door. Upon the wall planks 
are to be laid, and posts five or six feet long attached, which 
are to be covered over with a roof according to the elevation. 
A building of this kind placed near the doors of a barn will be 
found at all times most convenient to receive straw from the 
thresher ; and being sunk in the ground, is rendered capable 
of containing an extra quantity of straw, particularly if trodden 
down by a horse. 

John Warnes. 

Auffust 9tk, 1843. 

P.S. — I subjoin the side-view of the partition-rails, posts, 
and tie-beam. It will be seen that the space is greater be- 
tween the first and second rail, than those beneath. The 
reason for observing this distinction is that the bullocks may 
be allowed space to put their heads through, in order that the 
manure may be firmly trodden by the side of the wall and thus 
prevent heating. 




OUR MEANS FOR FLAX CULTURE. 



165 



No. IV. 

Sir, 

An inquiry has been made, as to what reference the 
topics upon which I write can have to politics. 

I reply, that with the genuine principles of Whigs and 
Tories, as such, my propositions do not interfere. But to the 
schemes of that party who would extirpate British agriculture, 
root and branch, they are diametrically opposed. 

Short-sighted, indeed, must such an inquirer be, who cannot 
perceive that the want of employment is the source of our 
national calamities. 

The fattening of cattle upon native produce, with the atten- 
dant consequences, would increase the demand for labour, one- 
fourth ; that is to say, where three men are now employed, 
another will be required. 

And, with respect to flax, if the nine or ten milhons that are 
now annually sent out of England to purchase this important 
crop, could be circulated at home by the cultivation of the 
plant, I think the inquirer would be at a loss to find any 
redundant population at all. 

In St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, Mr. Moore admitted that 
the soil and climate of Great Britain were superior to any part 
of the world for the growth of the plant, but, he added, The 
people cannot starve till you grow flax." Mr. Gibson, M.P., 
alluding to the Norfolk Flax Society, at a Manchester meet- 
ing, made a similar exclamation. These gentlemen well know, 
as do the editors of papers which formerly supported my plans, 
that, if means were adopted to employ the people, their powers 
of agitation would cease. That we, as a nation, actually possess 
those means, it is my constant endeavour to prove. Obstacles 
and prejudices are rapidly giving way ; the force of truth will 
ultimately prevail ; and I am confident that the cultivation of 
flax, the fattening of cattle upon native produce, box-feeding, 
and summer-grazing, need only to be nationally adopted, " to 
obtain for the redundant population the employment, agricul- 
ture the support, and trade the encouragement, which each so 
greatly needs ; because the cultivation of linseed, the making 



166 



FURTHER ADVANTAGES OF BOX-FEEDING. 



of artificial food to fatten cattle, and the sale of flax, will be 
fresh sources of wealth to the British farmer ; because hands 
must be drawn from the manufacturing towns to prepare the 
flax for market ; and because an impetus would be given to 
home-trade in general by the increased price of wages, and by 
the consequent consumption of all the common necessaries of 
life." 

With these preliminary observations I shall proceed to point 
out, in some measure, the advantages of box-feeding and 
summer-grazing over the present system of fattening and feed- 
ing cattle in yards or fields. I say in some measure, for how- 
ever correct my calculations relative to the direct, it is impossible 
to form any adequate estimate of the indirect advantages. 
These flow through innumerable channels," and merge at last 
into an ocean of national benefits ; which, to the eye fixed only 
upon individual profit, would cease to be discerned; while the 
sagacious statesman, the moral philosopher, and the Christian 
philanthropist, will readily perceive and acknowledge their 
universal importance. 

These sentiments may perhaps be considered by some of 
your readers as too lofty for our humble theme ; but be it 
remembered, that the most enlightened minds ever have been, 
and still are, devoted with increasing fervour, to the study of 
agriculture. And I would ask, whence springs our national 
wealth, if not from the manure that fructifies the soil? Hence, 
to use the language of the poet, 

" Britannia sees 
Her solid grandeur rise." 

With respect to the calculations promised in my former 
letter, I would observe, that the advantages of feeding cattle 
in boxes consist in the absence of all that waste of food, which 
in a yard it is impossible to prevent. In boxes, opportunity 
is afibrded for placing before each bullock an equal portion of 
turnips, which cannot be the case in a yard where cattle are 
indiscriminately mixed. 

In boxes, every bullock can eat at his leisure, ruminate 
unmolested, and take his rest. 

In a yard, the master-cattle consume the choicest parts of the 



THE TURNIP CROP IN NORFOLK. 



167 



turnips. They delight in goading and driving the underlings 
about, and allow them but little rest. 

Hence the great inequality observable in the condition of 
yard-fed bullocks compared to those in stalls ; and hence the 
astonishment so often expressed by farmers, that, after their 
fattest beasts have been sent to market, the remainder thrive 
rapidly. It is then perceived that those bullocks which ap- 
pear the least prone to fatten, would perhaps have been the 
forwardest, had they been separate from the others. 

On these several accounts, boxes are much to be preferred to 
yards ; but when artificial food is added to turnips, their value 
is still further enhanced. — For, if the master-bullock will drive 
away an underling for the sake of a choice piece of turnip, he 
will naturally be more resolute to obtain an undue share of 
oil -cake, or of the still more palatable compound. 

In fact, the system of feeding cattle in boxes can be regulated 
to the greatest nicety ; while that in the yard must ever re- 
main slovenly, wasteful, and imperfect. 

If such terms as these can be applied to winter-feeding, they 
are far more applicable to our present system of summer-feed- 
ing. To obtain a crop of turnips, neither cost nor trouble is 
spared, and the greatest skill and anxiety are displayed ; 
while for grass comparatively little expense is bestowed, and 
little care taken. 

Turnips are called the Sheet Anchor to Norfolk Farmers ;" 
because upon this crop they mainly depend for a supply of 
manure. Turnips are also called " 2i necessary evil," on 
account of the return for grazing being, in the average of 
years, less than the expenditure. But grass, except under the 
denomination of hay, or as an accommodation for lean stock 
and farm horses, is seldom heard of. Now, were only half the 
cost and skill bestowed to increase the productiveness of grass, 
and that grass given to cattle in boxes according to my plans, 
farmers might fearlessly cut the cable, escape from the sheet 
anchor and necessary evil at once, and pursue the course which 
the title to my letters so clearly points out. 

I wish it to be understood that I aim not at the abolition of 
the turnip crop, but merely at its not being the main depend- 
ence for fattening cattle, and for making manure. 



168 



GRASS. 



From experiments made by several members of the North 
Walsham Farmers' Club, aided by my own, 1 believe the aver- 
age weight of turnips, when deprived of their tops and tails, 
would not exceed eight or ten tons per acre. From similar 
experiments with grass in its most juicy state, I conclude that 
the average weight would be eight tons per acre ; therefore, as 
far as weight is concerned, cattle would be fed at as cheap a 
rate on one description of food as on the other. But it appears 
that they consume at least a third less of grass per day than 
of turnips; therefore, an acre of grass will go much further 
than an acre of turnips. But grass does not retain its greatest 
weight, nor last so long as turnips ; true, but provision can be 
made to meet this deficiency. For instance, on my own farm 
throughout this summer, a uniform weight and succession of 
green crops has been kept up, aided for the first fortnight by 
straw cut short and soaked in boiling linseed-meal and water. 
First, my bullocks began with lucern — next clover — afterwards 
the second crop of lucern — at the present time the second crop of 
clover and the third crop of lucern, as fine and heavy as the first. 

Perhaps it may be objected that the present season is par- 
ticularly favourable for grass : true, but last summer it was 
far otherwise ; and yet, with the assistance of early potatoes, 
upon the plan contained in my ' Suggestions,' the grass was 
economised, and an abundant supply of food obtained. 

And here I must observe, that I cannot enforce this part 
of my subject better than by giving the following extract 
from the pamphlet alluded to : — " A piece of lucern, in pro- 
portion to the size of every farm, ought to be grown, and a 
few acres of early potatoes planted — these will always afford a 
supply, should the grass at any time fail; and they will be 
found convenient as a change of food. If not wanted, the 
potatoes of course will remain as winter store. To this system 
let the use of compound be added, and the farmer will be ren- 
dered comparatively independent of turnips, which at best is 
but an expensive and precarious crop." 

My present experience corroborates the above statements, 
and warrants me in asserting, that the profits of summer-graz- 
ing in boxes will be found at least equal to those of winter. 
But. with respect to the advantages of feeding cattle with 



GRASS. 



169 



grass in boxes rather than in the field, I have not been able to 
arrive at such accurate conclusions ; nor would the limits of a 
letter permit me minutely to point them out. Let it suffice, 
that where grass can be produced sufficiently long for mowing 
[and I should be glad to learn on what farm it cannot], double 
the quantity of cattle may easily be fed from the same breadth 
of land. 

Indeed it would be difficult to offer an opinion as to the 
quantity of grass that land in general might be made to pro- 
duce, or the number of cattle kept ; for, by the application of 
manure, clover will yield three successive crops in one season. 
I have no doubt but that this description of grass on the best 
lands in Norfolk often produces 12 or 16 tons per acre; nearly 
the whole of which is made into hay for winter store — the fat- 
tening qualities destroyed — and the opportunity of grazing a 
quantity of cattle, and obtaining a supply of superior manure, 
thrown away. I repeat, fattening qualities thrown away^ be- 
cause whoever saw a bullock fattened exclusively upon hay, 
or a horse that could perform his ordinary work through the 
winter with hay alone ? 

From an experiment that I made last year, it appears that 
the weight of grass, when made into hay, is reduced about six 
and a half to one ; that is to say, eight stone of grass will make 
only one stone and a half of hay. 

I had grass weighed to six horses three weeks since ; when 
they consumed at the rate of forty -four stone per day. Now 
had these six horses been fed exclusively upon hay, I calculate 
they would have eaten eighteen stone per day. To obtain 
eighteen stone of hay, according to the above experiment, 96 
stone of grass would be required. But the horses ate only 44 
stone^ which is 52 stone less. Therefore we may fairly assume 
that, if every eighteen stone of hay had been given to cattle in 
the form of grass, it would have gone as far again. But ob- 
serve, this merely applies to the first mowing. 

Boxes are, I am happy to say, being erected by many agri- 
culturists in my own neighbourhood, and in other parts of the 
kingdom. And ere long, I expect that a farmer will as soon 
think of turning twenty bullocks into twenty acres of turnips 
as into twenty acres of grass. 



170 



THE AUTHOR REPLIES TO 



Many observations upon the efficacy that may be expected 
from the box manure over that of the farm-yard must be de- 
ferred till next week. 

John Warnes. 

August 30th, 1843. 



No. V. 

Sir, 

In accordance with my plan of answering objections to 
the above subjects, I cannot allow the letter which Mr. Rich- 
ardson, of Heydon, published in the Norwich Mercury, and also 
in the Farmer s Journal, to pass unnoticed. '^'Let me ask/' he 
says, ''does a farmer like trouble? Will he go daily and see the 
fire lighted, the boilers cleaned, his articles properly crushed 
and meted out in due proportions, properly boiled, cooked, 
cooled, weighed, and given to his cattle ? I may say, for the 
whole brigade. No, no. They are not men of that sort. I am 
a bit of a farmer myself, and have some little knowledge of 
their likes and dislikes." 

It is extraordinary that this gentleman could venture to in- 
clude all the farmers of Great Britain under the fanciful term 
of a '"Brigade," which is merely a detachment from the main 
body of an army. But, perhaps, he had principally in view the 
tenant-farmers on the Heydon estate, under his own immediate 
influence. These, perchance, he might array against the cattle- 
compound. But I can assure him that encamped around 
North Walsham alone, is a large army brave and true, which 
unflinchingly encounters "buildings, boilers, steamers, crush- 
ing-machines, troughs, tubs, and even poles" that cost two 
shillings per dozen; an army that is daily being augmented by 
the most industrious, enlightened, and intelligent agricultur- 
ists in that neighbourhood, who have shaken off" their allegiance 
to foreign oil-cake; and despite of the phantoms summoned 
from the depths of Mr. Richardson's imagination, are deter- 
mined not only to see the fire lighted, and the boilers cleaned, 
if need be, but also to see the "articles" [which form the 
compound] properly crushed and meted out, boiled, cooked. 



OBJECTIONS FROM VABIOUS QUARTERS. 



171 



weighed, and at last given to their cattle. I repeat, that a 
multitude of farmers and gentlemen, stimulated by the North 
Walsham Club, had the courage last year to 
encounter these horrors ; and all came off victo- 
rious. In the present year, legions of agricul- 
turists are mustering; not only in this, but 
also in distant counties. They are fast buck- 
ling on their armour to engage in this new 
and lucrative branch now added to the routine 
of farm-business. But observe, instead of 
boilers, steamers, crushing-machines, troughs, 
tubs, and poles, all the apparatus really re- 
quired worth notice, where the grinding is done 
at a mill, consists of an iron copper, at the 
cost of about twenty or thirty shillings, and a three-pronged 
fork, like Neptune's Trident, to stir up this ocean of national 
wealth. 

With respect to Mr. Postle, and the members of the North 
Walsham Farmers' Club, to whom Mr. Richardson has alluded, 
they require not my feeble aid to rescue them from the odium 
of having attempted to palm on the country a fictitious report. 
But I must express my astonishment that a mind so acute as 
Mr. Richardson's is reputed to be, should not have perceived 
the propriety of minutely inquiring into the particulars con- 
nected with the experiment in question, before an essay was 
made to turn it into universal contempt. Had this honourable 
course been pursued, Mr. Richardson would have avoided the 
errors with which his letter abounds. He would have dis- 
covered, also, that farmers were governed by the laws of reason 
and the dictates of common sense; and not, as he expresses it, 
by the ''likes and dislikes" that regulate the actions of the 
brute creation. 

For example: The North Walsham Farmers' Club is go- 
verned by certain rules, one of which enjoins the discussion of 
such subjects only as were proposed at a previous meeting. 
Another, that no topics of a political tendency shall be intro- 
duced, or any thing irrelevant to the direct advancement of 
agriculture. 

Amongst its large body of members are enrolled the names 




172 



MEETING AT NORTH WALSHAM. 



of Lord Wodehouse, W. Windham, Esq., and many of the 
gentry and clergy in that part of the county, independent of 
all party considerations. 

The fattening of cattle upon native produce formed the sub- 
ject of many consultations, experiments, and tests. The system 
was fully developed in my pamphlet and letters, and particu- 
larly illustrated at two meetings in the town of North Walsham^ 
convened by advertisements and circulars, of which the follow- 
ing are extracts : — 

NORTH WALSHAM FARMERS' CLUB. 

" The Hon. W. R. Rous, President. 

" An especial meeting of this Society will be held on Thurs- 
day, the 19th of May, for the purpose of ' Inquiring into the 
results of experiments made by several members of the Club, 
in grazing bullocks with linseed compounds instead of oil -cake.' 
Cattle, and samples of the compounds with which they have 
been fed, will be shown in the yard of the Bear Inn, at four 
o'clock. At the same time linseed will be formed into com- 
pound on the spot. The public are cordially invited to a 
critical investigation of the exhibitions, and also to join the 
club in the evening's discussion on the importance of fattening 
cattle on native instead of foreign produce. 

'*G. GowER, Hon. Sec.'* 

At this meeting Mr. Richardson himself was present; and 
in consequence of his doubts and scruples, some of the bullocks 
were sent back, with an assurance that they should be re- 
exhibited at some future time, of which due notice would be 
given. 

Accordingly, on the 28th of October, Mr. Gower again issued 
an advertisement in each of the Norwich papers^ and distributed 
-nearly a thousand circulars, chiefly by post, inviting the public 
to the annual meeting and dinner of the Society, and to the 
exhibition especially of the bullocks shown on the 19th of 
May, which were to be slaughtered on the occasion, &c. 

The cattle were shown, killed, weighed; and the result 
of the experiment explained much to the satisfaction of a very 



REFUTATION OF MR. RICHARDSON's LETTER. 



173 



crowded and influential assembly ; but Mr. Richardson did not 
appear, though a circular was directed particularly to him. 
Reporters, however, for the Norwich, Bury, and Ipswich papers 
were present, whose detailed accounts, it was thought, aided 
by the forcible and appropriate remarks of the Editors, could 
not fail to convince the most sceptical. But the persevering 
caviller and the inveterate bigot, being in their very nature 
incurable, remained of course unconvinced. 

To counteract the baneful influence of such folks, the North 
Walsham Club off'ered, by a challenge through the Norwich 
and London papers, to test the merits of the compound with 
oil-cake ; which challenge not being accepted, Mr. Postle de- 
termined to try the experiment upon his own premises, which he 
did in the most impartial and correct manner. In the mean 
time the pubUc were invited to inspect the cattle, and the new 
mode of grazing, through a letter in the county papers. Nu- 
merous visitors, some from considerable distances, availed 
themselves of the opportunity ; and on the 12th of May, in 
particular, two or three hundred persons examined the cattle. 
In due time Mr. Postle advertised the day when his bullocks 
were to be shown and weighed on Norwich Hill. During the 
whole of this period, namely, from the 19th of May, nothing 
was heard of Mr. Richardson till after he had written his 
letter, a document fraught with incongruity. 

For instance, he observes in his letter addressed to the 
Editor of the Farmer s Journal, "You must, or at least those 
who sent forth the facts, ought to have recollected, that the 
six compound beasts had an average of twelve stone in their 
favour when put to feed. This twelve stone has not been 
deducted either from the time when weighed fat, nor when 
slaughtered. So, the real facts are, that the six compound 
beasts, when fat, did not weigh twenty stone more than the 
others, but just eight. And when slaughtered, not fifty stone 
six pounds 1 ! ! but just thirty-eight ! ! ! " He adds further, 
" I suppose you intend to make the compound cattle a present 
of these articles [alluding to boilers, &c.], as you did the twelve 
stone at the beginning." But what a mistake!!! whether 
wilful or not, an extract from the Report of the experiment in 
question, contained in the above journal, will best determine. 



114 



THE AUTHOR EXAMINES AND REFUTES 



When selected^ which they were by lot, the six beasts to be 
fed on compound weighed 602 stone, and those to be fed on oil- 
cake, 590 stone. When fat, the live weight of the former was 
725 stone ; of the latter, 705 stone, being a difference of eight 
stone [the 12 stone overweight at the first being deducted] in 
favour of those fed on compound. But it was in the dead 
weight of each lot that the greatest difference was shown — the 
compound-fed yielding 44 -stone 9 pounds of meat more 
than those fed on oil-cake ; but, taking the loose fat and hides, 
the difference in favour of the former was 50 stone 6 pounds, 
— or 38 stone 6 pounds, deducting the 12 stone original extra 
live weight. While there is this increase of produce, there is 
a considerable decrease of expense between those fed on home 
produce, and those fed on foreign oil-cake. The former con- 
sumed a smaller quantity of turnips than the latter ; and the 
cost of the compound was only 19/. 6^. 1 Jcf., whilst that of the 
oil-cake was 2U. 14^. 9c?. 

" The public are much indebted to Mr. Postle for the great 
care with which this experiment has been carried through ; 
and for the pains taken to procure an accurate and satisfactory 
statement of the result." 

But perhaps it may be asked, from what source was the 
London journal furnished with the information ? I answer, 
from the best of sources — the clear and exphcit report of the 
Norfolk Chronicle. Again, it may be asked, did Mr. Richard- 
son see this report ? I reply, that he receives the Farmer s 
Journal. 

In concluding his letter, Mr. Richardson sagely remarks — 
Far be it from me either to insinuate or charge any gentleman 
connected with this matter, of pubUshing that which is untrue." 
And yet, he accuses a committee that was never formed — a 
party that never existed, with having "withheld information," 
and " done themselves great discredit," that their " statements 
are incorrect" and "accounts fallacious," evincing "a want of 
candid, open, and honourable disclosures." 

Thus has Mr. Richardson evinced a wanton hostility towards 
the promoters of a great and beneficial cause ; and, to use his 
own words, " done himself great discredit." I say, a great 



THE ASSERTIONS OF MR. RlCHAIll^SON. 



175 



cause, because the efforts of the North Walsham Farmers' 
Club are directed to the welfare of the labourer, the interest 
of the farmer, and the security of the landowner. Knowing 
the peculiarity of Mr. Richardson's position relative to those 
several parties, the club invited him to their meetings, in 
order that he might be enabled to adopt a system that would 
tend to improve the barren lands of Heydon and of Cawston, 
and to confer a permanent benefit upon the proprietor, the 
tenantry, and the poor. 

It was unquestionably his duty to have inquired diligently 
into the merits of a measure fraught ^\ith such incalculable ad- 
vantages to agriculture as the substitution of native produce 
for foreign oil-cake, and to have tested Mr. Postle's experiment 
by a similar process, before he ventured to denounce it so 
unscrupulously and so unjustly. If Mr. Richardson could be 
"startled" at Mr. Postle's announcement, how will he be 
alarmed at the sound of my forthcoming report on fattening 
cattle with native produce ! Severe as the shock may prove, 
prejudice must at last be conquered. Yes, conquered — be- 
cause what power can mthstand the force of profit ? for profit, 
like mercury, penetrates the joints and marrow, conquering 
more surely than the point of the bayonet. Encountered at 
every turn by profit, his whole " brigade," too, must ultimately 
be overcome. 

Without this powerful ally, I am aware that my letters and 
varied labours would be unavaiUng. Could I call to my aid 
the eloquence of Demosthenes, and the charms of Cicero, they 
would fail to move the British farmer ; but when he knows 
that I am on intimate terms mth profit, he will cease from a 
contest, the prolongation of which can only serve to retard his 
o^vn advancement. 

I must now, contrary to my original intention, bring this let- 
ter to a conclusion, without proceeding mth my main subject. 
The above strictures will occupy more space in your columns than 
I expected. Therefore, with your permission, I will resume 
the even tenor of my course at a future opportunity. In the 
mean time I shall visit distant counties, by invitation, to com- 
municate with influential parties on the important subjects 



176 



THE author's excursion. 



of this series. On my return I shall be happy to afford the 
public, through your valuable journal, any useful information 
that I may be so fortunate as to obtain. 

John Warnes. 

Sept. 1843. 



No. VI. 

Sir, 

An account of the excursion to which I alluded in the 
conclusion of my last letter, is in some measure anticipated by 
the report of the meeting of the Ipswich and Ashbocking 
Farmers Club. To this meeting I was invited as a preliminary 
step to the formation of a Grand National Association to carry 
out my plans of finding employment for the redundant popula- 
tion of the United Kingdom through the cultivation of flax, 
the forming of the seed into food to fatten cattle, and the fibre 
into an article of manufacture. 

I had previously been introduced to several highly influen- 
tial parties in London, Sussex, and Essex ; and it was to me 
infinitely gratifying, that, though separated by distance, and 
many unknown to each other, they all acquiesced in the desir- 
ableness of such an establishment. 

At Ipswich arrangements will be made upon an extensive 
scale, to aff"ord the clearest information relative to the above 
object, by an exhibition of flax in all its stages, the various 
processes connected with its preparation for market, and the 
method of forming the seed into cattle-food. Model boxes are 
to be erected, crushing machines and steamers will be ex- 
hibited at work, and every description of agricultural machine 
submitted to inspection. In fine, neither expense nor pains will 
be spared to render the exhibitions at once interesting, in- 
structive, and profitable. 

This year many acres of flax were grown, and many bullocks 
fattened with linseed compound in the neighbourhood of Ips- 
wich. The result of these experiments proving satisfactory. 



REMEDY FOR THE NATIONAL DISTRESS. 



177 



several gentlemen were induced to inspect the extensive crops 
of flax, and the system of grazing in Norfolk, The information 
thus derived, added to their own experience, originated the 
present patriotic undertaking ; an undertaking which is being 
conducted with a spirit and decision that ensure success. 

To the Ipswich and Ashbocking Farmers' Club am I pecu- 
liarly indebted for the prospect of personally advocating those 
projects to which my time and my pen have been so long and 
so successfully devoted — successfully, because the increased 
employment afforded in the parishes where flax has been grown, 
and the compound used, is the realization, upon a small scale, of 
the effect that must follow a universal adoption of my plan. 

In my pamphlets and letters, independent of the present 
series, I have shown the value of the flax crop in this, and in 
foreign countries — that from nine to twelve millions a-year are 
annually sent out of the country for the purchase of flax, lin- 
seed, oil, and cake, to the encouragement of foreign agricul- 
ture and to the support of foreign labourers — that this im- 
portant crop can be produced from our own soil, and would 
provide abundant employment both for the rural and for the 
manufacturing population — that the circulation of the above 
millions would repeal the poor-rate, abohsh union workhouses, 
secure to the labourer a just rate of wages, to the farmer a 
remunerating price for his produce, and to the landowner the 
value of his property ; also that the clergyman, the manufac- 
turer, the merchant, and the tradesman, would all reap a pro- 
portionable benefit. I have shown that the agitations in Wales 
for the abolition of the poor-law and tolls, in Ireland for the 
repeal of the Union, and in England for free trade, universal 
sufl'rage, and a paper currency, are chimerical schemes, because 
if all were enforced, no adequate employment could be found 
for the people. I have endeavoured to prove that the remedy 
for our national distress can easily be derived from our own 
soil, and that native skill and industry only require encourage- 
ment and support to render us independent of foreign resources 
either for food or for clothing. That, instead of being importers 
of barley and meat in the shape of oil-cake, we might annually 
export largely of barley in the shape of flax ; and obtain, from 
the cultivation of this prolific plant, infinitely more tons of 

N 



178 



VALUE OF FLAX PER ACRE. 



linseed to fatten our cattle than were ever received of cake from 
foreign countries ; also, that the appropriation of a large 
breadth of land to flax would enhance the price of barley in 
particular, and enable the farmer to place the proceeds of his 
grazing account in his own pocket rather than in that of the 
foreigner. I have shown that a compound made of linseed 
and grain is superior to foreign oil-cake ; a fact that has been 
proved on many farms in Norfolk and Suffolk, and exemplified 
with peculiar clearness by Mr. Postle's experiment, whose six 
bullocks fattened on compound paid, in the short space of six 
months, nearly three pounds per head more than an equal 
number fed on oil-cake. I have recorded three public meetings 
at which the method of making this food was exhibited ; also 
the speeches of the noblemen and gentlemen present on those 
occasions ; with other documents showing the immense advan- 
tage that the British nation would derive from the cultivation 
of flax. In consequence, experiments have been made by 
gentlemen in many parts of the kingdom, who have forwarded 
to me samples of their flax, with descriptions of the soil whence 
grown; from which I gather, that the most ordinary land, 
under proper treatment, will produce flax of the finest descrip- 
tion ; and that the adaptation of our country to the culture of 
this important plant is indisputably proved. 

I have shown that flax is worth more per acre, and affords 
more employment, than any other production of the earth, and 
that the acreable value of good flax to the grower varies from 
15Z. to SOL per acre; but I have not ascertained its worth 
when manufactured into linen or other articles of commerce — I 
believe, however, several hundred pounds per acre. From a 
document now before me, I perceive that an extensive culti- 
vation of flax was strongly recommended in 1742 as a source of 
permanent employment. Since that time Acts of ParHament 
have been passed, and premiums offered, to encourage its 
'growth. But for the space of 15 years no candidate appeared 
to claim a premium. I have shown that the objections made 
in those times to the growth of flax, are, in the present, com- 
pletely removed. For, under the improved system of manage- 
ment, instead of impoverishing it enriches the soil ; and that 
its introduction into our rotation of crops would be of in- 



IIESULTS OF MACHINERY. 



179 



estimable service to the agriculture and commerce of this 
country. 

It may be objected that the ingenuity of man is always de- 
vising schemes to obviate the necessity of employing workmen. 
True. But if a fair proportion of mental power were brought 
into the opposite service, this difficulty would be overruled, and 
the most beneficial results accrue. Let mind encounter mind, 
and thought meet thought. And while one party succeeds in 
closing a door to maintenance, the other will immediately open 
a new one. For instance, machines called Mules and Iron-men 
have thrown thousands of able-bodied operatives out of work, 
and reduced the wages of others to a starvation price ; while 
on the other hand, the cultivation of flax has commenced, 
which only requires to be nationally adopted to obtain for the 
redundant population the employment, agriculture the sup- 
port, and trade the encouragement, which each so greatly 
needs. 

To ensure success, a clear recognition of the solid principles 
of Christian philanthropy, and an unconquerable determina- 
tion to bring them into operation, are indispensable. Upon 
these principles will our project be conducted, aided by a code 
of rules and regulations which will doubtless receive the sanc- 
tion and support of every true lover of his country. 

It is impossible, upon the present occasion, to enter into 
every minute particular ; but I offer the following outline of 
the plans suggested, that the public may form an idea of the 
nature and design of the projected institution, and be induced 
to strengthen the cause by their co-operation. 

It is proposed to limit the existence of the Society to the 
period of four years ; and that no expenditure of time or of 
funds upon yearly entertainments, or upon anything foreign to 
the direct object, will be allowed. Hence it will be seen that 
expedition, zeal, and perseverance will be the distinguishing 
features of the Society's proceedings. That the interests of 
Farmers' Clubs, Agricultural Associations, and Local Institu- 
tions be especially advanced. That instructions for preparing 
the land, sowing the seed, and after-management of the flax 
crop, be afforded through working agents. That suitable per- 
sons be provided to teach children the art of spinning flax, 

N 2 



180 



PROJECT OF WORKING UP FLAX. 



and of converting it into useful articles. — That premiums be 
given to cottagers for growing flax in their gardens,, and to 
their children for spinning and knitting the yarn into stockings 
and gloves. — That information on the most improved modes of 
husbandry^ the new system of grazing with compound^ summer 
feeding in boxes, &c. &c.^ be effectually and speedily dissemi- 
nated by the location of experienced labourers for a few months, 
where needed, in exchange for others to be taught on farms 
from whence those labourers were sent : that while some were 
communicating others would be receiving instruction. The 
wages of these men to be paid by their employers, and the cost 
of their journeys by the Society. — That an interchange of visits 
be promoted between intelligent agriculturists of different 
counties, and their travelling expenses paid by the Association. 
— That similar facilities be afforded to gentlemen of leisure and 
patriotism, whose services, in attending public meetings, and 
in conferring with interested parties, Avould be of the utmost 
importance. Lastly, that a weekly paper containing an account 
of all the Society's proceedings, and affording authentic informa- 
tion of all important agricultural topics, be regularly forwarded 
to every subscriber, that through this medium correspondences 
might be conducted, intelligence conveyed, and scientific ex- 
periments recorded. 

I hope that this brief outline will in some measure convey 
suitable ideas of a project that aims at the benefit of all, and at 
the injury of none ; a project, which, if carried into execution, 
will open wide to the poor the doors of maintenance, admitting 
work and wages, liberty and independence, peace and content- 
ment, without infringing upon the rights of private property or 
endangering the safety of the State. I entertain no fear of not 
realizing these happy results, provided the possessors of the 
soil support our cause. Upon their decision, and upon the aid 
and co-operation of British philanthropy relative to the above 
patriotic designs, hangs the fate of thousands. Nor can it be 
supposed that the necessary funds will be withheld, when we 
consider the twenty millions expended for the emancipation 
of the West Indian slaves : the eight hundred thousand an- 
nually subscribed to Foreign Missions, to instruct heathen na- 
tions in religion and in the arts and sciences of civilized life ; the 



MISSIONARY LABOURS. 



181 



costly Niger expedition, to introduce British husbandry into 
Africa, to establish model farms, and to teach the natives the 
value of their own soil and of their own people, while millions 
of acres of our own land lie waste, and thousands of our la- 
bourers, for want of work, are reduced to a state of misery 
and destitution that appals the hearts of those who desire to 
relieve, but possess not the means. These and similar instances 
might be adduced to show the immense amount both of public 
and private money devoted to advance the interests of those 
whom we never see, while the wants of multitudes of our own 
people, whom we see every day, remain neglected and forgotten. 
Christianity accepts not zeal in the cause of foreign duties as a 
compensation for the neglect of those at home. " These ought 
ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone." 

I hope that the above remark will not be considered as con- 
demnatory of missionary labours. But I wish to impress 
every considerate mind with a conviction, that were only half 
the zeal and talent, with a trifling per centage on the sums re- 
ferred to, expended upon improving the condition of our own 
people, the face of this country would soon wear a different 
aspect, our national difficulties be removed, and a noble work 
accomplished that would at once redound to the credit of man 
and to the glory of God. 

I am. Sir, 
Your most obedient Servant, 

John Warnes. 

October 9, 1843. 



No. VII. 

Sir, 

Hitherto I have experienced your undeviating support 
in promoting the above objects for the benefit of the rural po- 
pulation ; with what success, the recent meeting at Ipswich can 
best testify. Our efforts have resulted in the formation of a 
National Flax Association, the medium, I have no doubt, 
through which the country at large will derive all the benefits 



182 



CONDITION OF NORWICH. 



that I have so long j^redicted. For obvious reasons the wheels 
of so mighty a machine cannot be set in motion without con- 
siderable preparation. In the mean time, I desire to draw 
your attention to claims nearer home — even to those of your 
fellow- citizens. So inseparable is the union between the agri- 
culture and home commerce of this great country, that it is 
impossible for one to be advanced or depressed without the 
other being similarly affected. They are the main pillars of 
national prosperity ; for when provisions and wares meet a 
ready sale, the labourer and artisan are employed, and the 
farmer and tradesman flourish. Constant work facilitates con- 
sumption ; it is therefore our duty and interest to promote 
emplo3anent in every possible way, both for the labourer in the 
field and the mechanic in the city. 

Under this conviction, I have been led to consider how far 
the manufacturing towns in England would be benefited, pro- 
vided the agricultural districts in which they are situated 
derived those advantages from the cultivation of flax, and the 
use of the seed, which I anticipate. It appears to me, that all 
would reap considerable benefit except the city of Norwich. 
The reason is obvious. Norwich does not manufacture the 
articles which the agricultural population of Norfolk consumes. 
She is, comparatively, the retail shop, at a prescribed profit, 
for the manufactures of other places. For instance, Man- 
chester, Birmingham, and Sheffield manufacture the articles 
required by the rural districts. The artisans, therefore, of 
those towns derive increased employment and wages, according 
to the demand from, and prosperity of, the country. But as 
Norwich merely sells the manufactures of Manchester, Bir- 
mingham, and Sheffield, the briskness of trade in the retail 
shops produces no corresponding advantage to the artisans of 
the city. The value of the goods wrought by them is not so 
materially influenced by agricultural prosperity as to occasion 
an advance in the rate of wages. Hence the slightest rise in 
the price of provisions lessens their means of subsistence and 
increases their misery. 

If these remarks can be applied to the operatives who are 
actually employed, with how much greater force may they be 
directed to those who have no work at all, and who eke out a 



SUGGESTIONS FOR ITS IMPROVEMENT. 



183 



wretched existence^ mainly depending upon inadequate rates 
and uncertain charity. The branches of trade in which these 
unfortunate men were engaged, flourished only with the fashion 
of the day. Hence the extinction of their means of support. I 
am not speaking of an idle rabble, but of the genuine Norwich 
operative, to whose skill and ingenuity the whole world bears 
testimony — for what quarter of the globe is unacquainted with 
the admirable productions of the Norwich factories ? 

Seeing, then, that a return of agricultural prosperity to the 
county of Norfolk would not produce the desired relief to the 
artisans of Norwich; and seeing that the interests of Man- 
chester, Birmingham, and Sheffield are advanced when success 
attends the plough ; it must, unquestionably, be of paramount 
importance to Norwich to establish within her walls a trade 
that would produce a reciprocity of commerce between the city 
and the county. Undoubtedly the establishment of factories 
in Norwich to supply the country with those things to which I 
have alluded, would, eventually, be of great benefit to the city. 
But as other places would be injured by the transfer, and no 
real benefit conferred upon the community at large, I aim not 
at removing the trades of one town to another. My desire is 
to see established in the city of Norwich, a new, lucrative, and 
permanent branch of business. And, if there is one branch 
more suited than another to the genius, habits, and present 
circumstances of the citizens, that branch is the linen trade — a 
trade for the introduction of which peculiar facilities abound, 
in unemployed capital, machinery, and men ; a trade that 
would quickly render her citizens famed for their exquisite in- 
genuity, as unrivalled in the splendour of their damask linen, 
as they now are in the elegance of their shawls ; a trade among 
the numerous ramifications of which, the business of bleaching 
is not the least profitable, and for the conducting of which the 
atmosphere and meadows around the city are singularly 
adapted ; a trade that would jeceive a constant supply of the 
raw material, not from foreign resources, to the profit of foreign 
farmers, and to the employment of foreign labourers, but from 
her own county, to the profit of Norfolk farmers, and to the 
employment of Norfolk labourers. Thus would money flow 
from the city to the country, and from the country to the city. 



184 



FLAX IN THE ISLE OF MAN. 



and a reciprocity of interest be cemented^ to the incalculable 
benefit of both. As a lively illustration of our future pro- 
spects, I subjoin an extract from a letter received a few days 
since from a correspondent, residing in the Isle of Man, whom 
I have never seen. 

" Glen Villa, near Douglas, November 7th. 

"Dear Sir, 

" At the desire of Mr. Hardy, of Violet Hill, T visited 
a flax- mill belonging to Mr. Hutcheson, of Market Hill (an 
agent for the purchase of flax for Messrs. Marshall, of Leeds), 
who has some improved machinery for breaking flax, and who 
intends exhibiting it this week at Belfast, for the lOOZ. prize. 
It did the work very well. Four girls broke suflicient for 14 
scutchers and cleaners-off*. I was astonished to see in the yard 
161 stacks of watered flax, waiting to be dressed. But my 
surprise was much increased when Mr. Hardy told me that in 
Armagh and Tandragee markets, from eight to ten thousand 
pounds' worth of flax was sold at each market-day — had com- 
menced as soon as any was ready, and would continue until 
about Christmas. 

" I remain, yours truly, 

''Richard Nkcklin.'" 

The above account so remarkably corroborates my own 
statements in St. Andrew's Hall, on the 6th of January last, 
that I cannot refrain from repeating them on the present 
occasion. 

" Methinks I see the flax-market at Norwich, hke the Thurs- 
day market at Tandragee, which I lately witnessed in Ireland, 
and the farmers busied in selling flax, and putting the ready 
money in their pockets. It was a cheering sight, but not a 
very brisk day; yet flax to the amount of three thousand 
pounds was sold by farmers, whose occupations were all ex- 
tremely small, not one of which, as I understood, exceeded fifty 
acres." 

The walls of Norwich are surrounded by many thousand 
acres of ordinary land, much of which now lies uncultivated and 



I 



HOUSEHOLD HEATH. 



185 



neglected, under the supposition of being worthless. It appears, 
however, from recent experiments, that all of it, if properly 
prepared, would produce flax of a very superior quality, and 
leave the land ever after in a better state for producing other 
crops. Much of the land lies so near the city, that the inhabit- 
ants could, in the summer, issue from her gates in the morning, 
perform the labours of the flax-fields, and return in the even- 
ing. In the winter, they would find ample employment in the 
various processes connected with the preparation of the fibre for 
market. That the climate is congenial, the flax grown by Mr. 
Wm. Herring, and by Mr. Matchett, in the heart of Norwich, 
bore ample testimony at the late exhibition at Ipswich. Thus 
it appears, that Norwich possesses the power not only of manu- 
facturing, but also of affording great facility and encouragement 
to the growth of flax. Now, that which might be imprudent 
for private enterprise to undertake, would be the height of 
prudence for the combined interests of Norwich to attempt. 
For instance, no individual would venture to cultivate the land 
now lying waste on Mousehold-heath, because he must incur a 
certain loss; but were Norwich to make the experiment, a 
profit would certainly be obtained ; because if the thousands 
of pounds that are expended every year in rates and charity 
upon the able-bodied operatives, were paid to them in the form 
of wages, for trenching, manuring, and preparing the land for 
a crop of flax, the value of every bushel of seed, and every 
stone of flax so obtained, would be returned to the common 
stock a clear gain ; for the labour, the money, and the land are 
now lost entirely ; to which may be added a sufficient supply 
of manure, that might be easily preserved, without interfering 
with the farmer's soil-cart, or the scavenger's perquisite. Com- 
mon sense, under the influence of sound Christian principle, 
invokes the authorities of Norwich to make the experiment ; 
and if they inquire, whether I have any additional grounds to 
substantiate my calculations upon as to the future productive- 
ness of this barren land ? I refer them to soils of a similar 
description, that have produced fine flax and fine seed, mthout 
any extra tillage. 1st, From the heath at Witton, on the estate 
of the Right Hon. Lord Wodehouse. — 2nd, Upon the hills at 
Sherringham, belonging to Abbott Upcher, Esq. — 3rd, From 



186 



^.AND RECLAIMED BY WEAVERS. 



the heath at Stratton Strawless^ on the property of Robert 
Mar sham, Esq., and at Snare Hill, grown by H. C. Partridge, 
Esq. These references are sufficient, I trust, to guide the 
most critical inquirer; if not, I can readily offer him many 
more. But of all the successful and convincing experiments 
that I could advance, by far the most important to our present 
project is that made by Mr. Feltom, upon one of the worst 
spots of Mousehold-heath itself ; the crop of seed from which 
was of an excellent quality, and the stalks of flax ranked 
amongst the finest at the recent exhibition at Ipswich. 

But it may be objected that the habits and constitution of the 
Norwich weaver are ill-adapted to the work required. I reply, 
that about forty years ago, the weaving trade failed in the vil- 
lages around Aylsham, and the men were reduced to the greatest 
straits. At that period my father purchased the Bolwick Hall 
Estate, adjoining which was a tract of what had a few years 
before been common land, lying nearly in its original worthless 
state. To improve it, many hands were required, and my 
father, yielding to the numerous applications for employment, 
set the weavers to dig, trench, level, and otherwise improve the 
land in question. At first, they were paid only a few shillings 
per week ; but when their hands became seasoned, arms nerved, 
and sinews braced to the work, they received the usual rate 
of wages. Thus was land reclaimed, and rendered fruitful 
through the instrumentality of just such men as those in Nor- 
wich, who could as easily reclaim and render fruitful the 
worthless Mousehold-heath. To what quarter then are we to 
look for objections to measures that would render a barren soil 
productive — ease the city rates — lessen the calls of charity, and 
improve the condition of our fellow-men, whose unparalleled 
suff'erings excite our deepest sympathy, and claim our utmost 
exertions to alleviate ; suff'erings Avhich, to the credit of the 
city, draw forth yearly charitable contributions exceeding, it 
' is said, in amount that of the whole poor-rate ; suff'erings that 
the philanthropy and piety of both city and county have 
long expressed an anxious desire to remove ? But they can 
never be removed in any other way except by employment. 
If the clouds showered down gold and silver in abundance 
upon the people, the idleness engendered by such a supply 




ANTICIPATED EFFECTS OF FLAX CULTURE. 



187 



would more than counterbalance the good effected ; for as idle- 
ness is the root of all evil, so is employment at the root of all 
civil, moral, and religious order. If, then, alms-giving, when 
substituted for employment, is an evil in itself, it becomes the 
duty and privilege of every religious and benevolent mind 
to co-operate in the furtherance of any reasonable plan, 
havingfor its object the employment of a redundant population. 
I desire to see Mousehold-heath dug up principally as a relief 
for the present exigency, and as a preliminary step to the 
future introduction of the linen trade to the city ; preparatory 
to which, of course, a large supply of flax would be required, 
and from no source, I argue, could that supply be obtained at 
so cheap a rate as through the labour of those who are now 
maintained in idleness, and through the cultivation of land that 
is now lying waste. I by no means despair of a flourishing 
business being established ; for a piece of linen has already 
been woven in Norwich during the past few weeks, and I believe 
another is now in hand ; but the progress of private enterprise 
must, of necessity, like the grass that grows before the starving 
steed, be too slow to benefit the present generation ; whereas, 
an immediate and simultaneous adoption of my plan would, 
in the course of a few months, produce the desired effect. For 
if the people were now set to dig, manure, and prepare the soil, 
the seed might be sown in March or April — the crop be fit to 
carry off the land in June or July, which could then be sown 
with turnips, and the flax be ready in August for the manu- 
facturer. 

Thus would the groundwork be laid, I repeat, for the estab- 
lishment of a new, lucrative, and permanent branch of business, 
conducive to the best interests of home commerce on the one 
hand, and of foreign trade on the other ; permanent, because as 
linen ever has been one of the most useful and favourite articles 
for domestic purposes, so it will remain till the end of time. 
The citizens of Norwich therefore have no cause to fear a re- 
currence of those melancholy consequences which have often 
resulted from failures in the manufacture of fancy goods, and 
which are too truly depicted in the wretched state of those who 
have fallen victims to the change of fashion. Neither need the 
farmers of Norfolk apprehend the want of a ready market for 



188 



GROWING FLAX NOT PREJUDICIAL TO WHEAT. 



their flax^ because the supply, although imported to the 
amount of nearly six millions a year, is scarcely equal to the 
demand. In truth, the flax-spinners of England require a 
more abundant supply, from our own resources, and at a 
cheaper rate, in order that the price of linen may approximate 
to that of calico. This, I am persuaded, can be obtained, and 
would be the means of finding employment, not only for the 
redundant rural, but also for the manufacturing, population. 
The limits of a letter will not admit of lengthened arguments 
to prove the soundness of my theory. But it must be evident 
to every inquirer — 1st, that such an immense quantity of flax 
as we now import is subjected to many heavy charges, and that 
many thousands of foreign hands were employed to prepare it 
for exportation ; 2ndly, That if we grew an equal quantity in 
this country, it would require just as many thousands of our 
own hands to reduce it to a similar state. These would have 
to be mainly drawn from manufacturing towns, because the 
rural labourers would be wanted to prepare the seed, form it 
into compound to fatten cattle, and perform the labours conse- 
quent upon the new system of grazing. 

An apprehension has been expressed that my object in intro- 
ducing the cultivation of flax was to supersede that of corn — to 
raise the price of provisions and lessen the means of subsist- 
ence; hence the loudly expressed alarm, ''We cannot eat flax.'* 
It certainly might appear to the superficial reasoner that the 
appropriation of land to the growth of flax would necessarily 
diminish the supply of wheat. But a careful investigation of 
the subject will soon disperse this fear. It will be discovered 
that the best flax is grown upon wheat stubble — that upon 
strong soils, in particular, flax is an excellent crop to precede 
wheat — that as flax will flourish on newly broken-ujD soils, it 
will evidently be the means of bringing into regular cultivation 
large tracts of barren land — that it will require less than two 
acres to every hundred now in cultivation, to supply the pre- 
sent demand for flax, independent of foreign aid, from which 
infinitely more tons of linseed would be obtained to fatten 
cattle than were ever imported of oil-cake in one year — that, 
throughout my pamphlets, previous letters, and present series, 
published during the past four years, I advocate constant work 



ITS EFFECT ON WAGES. 



189 



at adequate wages, and not only cheap breads but also cheap 
meat for the people ; showing, from the result of successful 
experiments, that, through the cultivation of flax, the fattening 
of cattle with native produce, box-feeding and summer grazing, 
three bullocks and three sheep may be fattened where only one 
of each was kept before ; and that it did not require a very 
profound calculation to discover, that a triple quantity of manure 
thus obtained would produce a corresponding increase in the 
productions of the earth, the price of which is immaterial to the 
farmer, provided he is remunerated, as is oftener the case with 
a plentiful crop and a low price, than with a scanty one and a 
high price. I rejoice that measures are being adopted for a 
vigorous extension of the above system through every part of 
the kingdom. Already much progress has been made, and I 
look forward with renewed confidence to no very distant date, 
when the manufacturer shall not have cause to complain that 
the high price of the common necessaries of life prevents his 
successful competition with foreign markets. 

I cannot avoid expressing my surprise that those who profess 
so much sympathy for, and who depict so truly the horrors con- 
sequent on, non- employment, should attempt to thwart measures 
that would at once obtain the desired relief — should offer their 
vague and empty theories in opposition to solid and permanent 
benefits; — rejecting the good within their immediate reach in 
order to grapple with phantoms which never fail to elude their 
grasp — ^liolding out to starving mortals the blessed prospect, 
that with " six shillings a week" a man is to maintain himself 
and family, and fare sumptuously upon provisions drawn from 
foreign resources, to the encouragement of foreign farmers, and 
to the employment of foreign labourers. To such monstrous 
propositions mine are diametrically opposed. They have been 
often recorded, and centre in the desire to advance the rate of 
wages, maintain the value of British property, and preserve 
that proud position in the scale of nations which we have so 
long enjoyed, recognising to the fullest extent that portion of 
British property which the poor man alone possesses — viz. his 
labour. In support of these principles a National Association 
has been formed ; to co-operate in the designs of which the 
above lines are offered as an invitation. 



190 



MR. WTNDHAM ADOPTS THE AUTHOR's SYSTEM. 



Unbiassed by all party considerations, I freely offer my ser- 
vices to the city, and shall be happy to confer with any influ- 
ential parties in promoting so desirable an object as that of 
reclaiming Mousehold-heath, and of rendering it subservient 
to the present necessities and future prosperity of Norwich ; 
and T doubt not but the patriotism, philanthropy, and piety 
of the city will respond to the call ; and " then shall the 
earth yield her increase ; and God, even our own God, shall 
bless us." 

John Warnes. 

November 22nd, 1843. 



No. YIII. 

Sir, 

In submitting the eighth number of my series to the 
public, I am aware that I shall be subjected, as on former 
occasions, to the charge of exaggeration ; but I cannot, on that 
account, relinquish the task 1 have undertaken, seeing that 
daily experience substantiates all my former statements, and 
warrants me in the use of expressions still more glowing than 
any I have yet employed. 

Let the sceptic then stand by, and behold his more en- 
lightened and less prejudiced neighbour advancing his o^vn 
interests, and promoting public good, by the adoption of those 
plans which are attended by such unvarying success. 

It is with much gratification that I add to the increasing 
list of converts to the above system, the name of W. H. Wind- 
ham, Esq., of Felbrigg Hall, in this county, who, after the 
successful use of compound, and the growth of flax during 
the past year, has ofl'ered to facilitate the erection of boxes, in 
order that his numerous tenantry may adopt the new system 
' of winter and summer grazing upon their respective farms. 

Thus has Mr. Windham set a noble example, which, if fol- 
lowed, will assuredly secure to the labourer employment, to 
the tenant a remunerative price for his produce, and to the 
landlord the value of his property. 

There is no gentleman in the county to whom the inquirer 



THE ANTI -CORN-LAW LEAGUE. 



191 



can look with greater confidence than to Mr. Windham, whose 
natural acuteness, partiality to agricultural pursuits, and con- 
stant residence upon his estate, eminently qualify him to lead 
the way in a movement of so much importance to the nation. 

As Mr. Windham is an example to landed proprietors, so 
is his steward to all Anth whom similar trusts are reposed. 
His inquiries and conclusions on my premises last week evinced 
a thorough regardlessness to trouble, so long as there was 
a prospect of advancing his employer's interest ; and I am not 
without a hope, that the mention of this circumstance may 
rouse other farm-stew^ards to a sense of their duty. 

The time has arrived, when the fcirm.er's profit neither can 
nor ought to depend on a high price for wheat. It cannot, 
because of the rapidly increasing population, the major part of 
which, being born to poverty, must necessarily be maintained 
on cheap bread. — It ought not, because it is the duty as Avell 
as the interest of the farmer, to meet their wants by increased 
production ; his duty, because the soil is a talent committed 
to his charge for the benefit of others — his interest, because 
the more he can make the earth produce the greater wdll be 
his gain. 

The legislature aimed at obtaining cheap provisions through 
the corn bill and the tariff, not being aware, I suppose, of the 
immeasurable resources of this coimtry, or why offer a stimulus 
to foreign, rather than to British, agriculture ? 

The Anti-Corn-Law League point to the half-cultivated 
fields, and tell the starving population that the landlord 
and tenant are cumberers, not tillers of the ground. HoAvever 
just or unjust this reproach, I strenuously maintain that a 
sufficient supply of the common necessaries of Hfe for the popu- 
lation of the kingdom can be obtained from our own resources, 
provided the system of grazing double or triple the number 
of stock were carried into effect ; because it is but reasonable 
to infer that double or triple the quantity of mxanure would 
necessarily increase production. Besides, the vast additional 
supply of meat would lessen the demand for wheat — equalize 
the price of each — enable the poor to purchase one as well as 
the other, and obviate the necessity of foreign aid. To 
whatever quarter w^e turn, the price of meat in particular is 



192 



PRIZE CATTLE-SHOWS. 



found too high for the consumer. It is also too low for the 
farmer. The reasons may be traced to his not rearing more 
stock — to the waste of grass in the summer — of straw in the 
Avinter, and to the purchase of foreign oil-cake and artificial 
manures. These things I have repeatedly pointed out, and 
am convinced that, by a methodical and economical use of 
native resources, every farmer could afford to sell his fat 
cattle at one-fourth less than the present price, and realize 
what is now seldom the case, a clear profit. 

Of all subjects connected with agriculture, that of rearing 
and fattening cattle is the first in importance ; for the ma- 
nure so obtained is the only means of keeping a farm in high 
condition, being suitable to all soils, durable in effect, and 
therefore cheaper than any other. — In order to obtain so large 
an accession of cattle as I contemplate, more must be bred — 
fewer killed when young, and none allowed to live till they 
are four or five years old. The fattening so many calves dur- 
ing the summer months is much to be deprecated, because 
their original value for rearing is sunk in the low price of veal, 
while their lives are required to keep down the price of lean 
stock. If, then, it is an evil to kill them so young, it is equally 
so to keep them after they have arrived at maturity, especially 
when fattened to a degree that renders the greater part unfit 
for the table. The Christmas cattle-shows exemplify the 
justice of this remark, being masses of fat manufactured for 
the tallow chandler, rather than of wholesome meat for the 
community. In this way, man}^ thousands of pounds are sunk 
and much food destroyed every year. I calculate that many 
of the animals lately exhibited at the Bazaar in London, 
did not realise the cost of grazing by 307., 40/., or 50Z. each. 
Could the system of rearing summer calves be generally 
adopted, farmers would soon be in possession of cheap herds of 
cattle. To any objections that might be made on account of 
milk being wanted for cheese, and the inability of the calf to 
withstand the approaching winter, I refer to the linseed-com- 
pounds as excellent and economical substitutes for milk, and to 
the boxes as an effectual protection against the inclemency of 
the weather. From observation and a little experience, I am 
led to conclude, that calves are brought up in summer at much 



PR1CP]S BROUGHT BY THE AUTHOR's BULLOCKS. 



193 



less expense, trouble, and risk, than those in winter, and there- 
fore make a more profitable return. I could offer several 
calculations to prove the correctness of this theory, did time 
and space permit. The object of this letter has reference 
more to fattening than to rearing cattle, and to proving that 
double or even triple the present number may be profitably 
returned, through the medium of linseed-compound, box- 
feeding, and summer- grazing. The fear of trouble ought 
not to stand in the way, nor need the farmer be under any 
apprehension on the score of outlay, as respects the cost for 
boxes, crushing-machine, cooking apparatus, and the increased 
number of cattle he would be compelled to keep ; because 
the expense for boxes, in most cases, if erected according to 
the description in No. 3, would not amount to more than 20 
or 30 shillings each ; for iron coppers and crushers, about 
eight pounds upon a farm of two or three hundred acres ; and 
for bullocks, I have shown, and now repeat, the lowest priced 
pay the best. 

For instance, I sold in November last, three small bullocks, 
bred in the early part of the summer of 1842, one of which 
was purchased at 41. , on the 11th of March last ; another at 
3/. 3^., on the 13th of April last; the third was bred on the 
farm, and valued at 41. 10s., on the 1 1th of March last. Two 
of them were Durham heifers, the other Norfolk bred ; their 
ages 18 months each when killed. The first weighed 46 st. 
7 lbs.; the second, 41 st. 2 lbs. ; the third, 35 st. of 14 lbs. to 
the stone, making 122 st. 9 lbs., which at 6d. per lb., the cur- 
rent price of beef in this neighbourhood, amounts to 42/. ISs. 
6d. ; and, had 1 sold them by weight, would have afforded a 
balance of 317. 5^. 6d., and a profit unexampled in the agricul- 
tural history of this country ; unexampled on account of the 
shortness of time, the size of the animals, the smallness of the 
outlay, and the food being entirely the produce of the farm. 
Should it be asked, what was their condition when purchased ? 
I refer to the cost price, which the practical inquirer will per- 
ceive admitted only of what the chemical farmer would term 

a very minute development of flesh." 

These bullocks, with about twenty others, were, last year, 
fattened on my farm consisting of 76 acres only. They were all 

o 



194 



MODE OF PREPARING THEIR FOOD. 



kept in boxes during tlie summer as well as in the winter 
months — were treated in every respect alike, and made similar 
returns ; some were disposed of within four, others eight months, 
averaging about six months each, and speaking volumes in 
favour of the cultivation of linseed, the fattening cattle upon 
native produce, box-feeding, and summer-grazing. 

I have now twelve bullocks under similar treatment, but 
instead of grain or pulse I substitute hay or straw, with a few 
Uirnip-tops, and barley ''colder," all cut into fine chaff, with 
an extra proportion of linseed. Upon this plan a compound 
is formed more economical and rapid in its effect than any I 
have hitherto used. The reason is obvious. Linseed will 
raise flesh and fatten faster than anything else ; therefore, 
the more a bullock can take without being disordered, the 
greater will be the effect produced. Boiled barley alone is 
slow in effect and will not repay; but when linseed meal is 
incorporated with it, the progress of the animal is greatly 
accelerated. Corn, therefore, acts chiefly as a vehicle to convey 
the linseed to the stomach, an office which any thing of an 
absorbing nature, suited to ruminating animals, will perform 
as well with an extra quantity of linseed meal. 

According to the recipes in the ' Suggestions,' compounds 
are made of about one part of linseed meal to two or three 
parts of corn or pulse, or at the rate of eighteen pence for the 
former, and two shillings and three pence for the latter. I 
now take away the corn entirely, and add instead nine penny- 
worth more of linseed meal, Thus eighteen pence is left for 
the hay, &c., which is double their value. Hence nine pence 
is saved by this compound. But when its bulk and satisfy- in g 
nature are taken into account, it will be found that a small 
quantity only of turnips is required; which confirms my oft- 
repeated opinion, that the expensive and precarious turnip - 
' crop ought no longer to be considered the sheet-anchor of 
Norfolk farming — an opinion the correctness of which is es- 
tablished upon the follomng fact, viz. : this year, according to 
my usual rotation, I should have grown about 12 acres of 
turnips; instead of which I sowed six with linseed, and one 
acre with potatoes, leaving five with turnips. Of the two 
latter more than half remained unconsumed. Observe, the 



EXAMINATION OF DR. PLAYFAIR's THEORY. 



195 



potatoes were used chiefly for pigs; a few only were given to 
the bullocks in the form of" compound. 

And now a question naturally arises as to the correctness of 
Dr. Playfair's theory, that " Oil-cake produces only fat, being 
destitute of nitrogen; and that by adding corn, which possesses 
nitrogen, to linseed oil-cake, meat will be developed as well as 
fat." To this opinion I never could accede, because I have 
seen cattle fed in stalls exclusively with oil-cake and water^ 
which increased both in flesh and fat. In April last, my own 
farm-horses were fed with wheat straw cut into fine chaff", and 
immersed in boiling linseed meal and water till all was ab- 
sorbed. With this they worked ten hours a day, and looked 
better than when on hay and corn. I also kept some poor 
bullocks upon the same food, which increased much in con- 
dition. These instances, added to my present experiments^ 
led me to the conclusion, that linseed possesses both flesh and 
fat making properties in an eminent degree. 

But perhaps Dr. Playfair will exclaim, " 'Tis the combina- 
tion of material that develops meat as well as fat."' True. 
But straw incorporated with linseed or cake, is like the boy who 
carried his father's spade, and observed on their return home, 
^'What a good day's work we have done;'' or the bellows- 
blower, who congratulated himself and the organ-player upon 
the plaudits obtained by their joint performance. 

The correctness of these illustrations may easily be proved 
by giving a bullock, that would be termed fleshy," nothing 
but straw to eat, and he will rapidly decrease in condition. 
At the same time, let another, but little better than a skeleton, 
be fed with straw well incorporated with boiling linseed meal 
upon the above plan, and before many weeks the flesh-making 
properties of the seed will have performed their office. In 
making these brief observations, I wish it not to be supposed 
that I undervalue chemical research; on the contrary, I still 
hope that some permanent good will be effected thereby; 
though I fear the time is too far distant for the present 
race of practical farmers to reap the benefit. Theories, how- 
ever ingenious, must yield to the results of experiment ; which 
in agricultural matters, I, in common with many others, have 
too often proved to be fallacious. 

o 2 



196 



LORD TOUUTKCtTO^'s PRTZE OX. 



My recoTnmendations, being in their nature practical, 
simple, and applicable to every grade of farmer, are constantly 
adopted. The most gratifying accounts are daily forwarded 
to Trimingham from various parts of the kingdom. While 
writing this letter, I received the following communications, 
which, I am sure, will be acceptable to all who take an interest 
in the subject: — 

" Tunhridge, Kent, Dec. 22nd, 1843. 

" Lord Torrington's compliments to Mr. Warnes, and would 
feel obliged by his informing him whether a pamphlet called 
* Suggestions on Fattening Cattle with Native instead of 
Foreign Produce ' is to be purchased in London. Lord Tor- 
ringtoii, having found great benefit from feeding cattle in the 
manner Mr. John Warnes has advised, is anxious to obtain 
some of the pamphlets to give to his friends." 

From the Maidstone Journal. 

"It will be recollected that, at the Cattle Show dinner. 
Viscount Torrington stated, that his prize beast was probably 
the cheapest animal ever fatted, adding, it was fed on the 
compound recommended by Mr. Warnes^ which his lordship 
was induced to try through the instrumentality of Mr. Cull, of 
Fast Tarleigh. We trust this mention of the subject will 
serve to direct attention to this most useful and economical 
preparation." 

The publication of Lord Torrington's experience may per- 
haps be considered unnecessary in Norfolk, where the use of 
compound is now so generally adopted 3 but it ought to be re- 
membered, that this letter will be read hy many landowners, 
who may be induced by his lordship's example to prefer the 
•produce of their own estates to that of foreigners, and by many 
occupiers, who think there is no virtue in any thing but foreign 
oil-cake. In fact, nothing is required but the united deter- 
mination of these two great interests to provide for the people 
an adequate supply of all the common necessaries of life. In 
addition to those advantages which I have pointed out, it will 



THE AUTHOR S EXERTIONS IN THE FLAX CAUSE. 



197 



be seen^ that the fattening of double or triple our present 
number of cattle must be attended with a corresponding- in- 
crease of hides and skins, wool and tallow, bone-dust, &c,, &c. 
Included would be our flax and linseed crops, amounting alto- 
gether to many millions a year, and involving so great a demand 
for labour as must necessarily ensure prosperity to the agricul- 
tural and commercial interests of this country. 

I remain. Sir, your obedient servant, 

John Warnes. 

January \st, 1844. 



No. IX. 

Sir, 

At the commencement of this series, I pledged my- 
self to answer any objections to the above topics, whether of a 
Y)ublic or private nature, in order that truth might be eluci- 
dated, my letters republished, and a work be produced, which 
the landlord, the tenant, and labourer, Avould see it their best 
interest to support. 

In consequence, I have been, and still am, engaged in cor- 
respondence with many influential and intelligent parties in 
various parts of the* kingdom ; and I rejoice to say that the 
cause which I advocate daily gains ground. 'Tis true, that 
it has been subjected to some opposition ; but, in every instance 
where reason and generosity have been brought into exercise, 
prejudice has been removed. 

In my former numbers, I endeavoured to point out the 
advantages of fattening cattle upon native produce, box- 
feeding, and summer-grazing. But in the present, I desire to 
draw particular attention to the importance of the flax crop, 
with reference, principally, to the value of the fibre as a 
source of employment to the labourer, and of profit to the 
grower. I say principally, because in no instance did I ever 
advocate the cultivation of flax for the sake of the fibre ex- 
clusively, being persuaded that, by judicious management, a 



198 



THE author's reply TO 



profitable crop of seed might be obtained also, and the objec- 
tions to its culture removed. 

Hitherto I have only been able clearly to show that the 
cultivation of flax, primarily for the seed, would fully repay. 
Peculiar circumstances have prevented me from satisfying 
public curiosity relative to the intrinsic value of the stalks ; 
but the following accounts will assist me, in some measure, to 
" solve this problem/' and be acceptable, till full proof can be 
made of my own extensive crops, as well as of those of my 
neighbours, correspondents, and others, in this and distant 
counties, amounting to several hundred acres, of which many 
specimens are in my omi possession, and will be exhibited 
shortly at Norwich and other places. 

I subjoin a letter of the Hon. W. R. Rous, published in the 
' Norwich Mercury ' on the 30th December, as a document 
offered to me in common with the rest of the community, for 
the purpose of being turned to the best account. All who 
peruse it will, of course, be at liberty to form their own 
opinion, and to act accordingly. But the responsible position 
in which my publications have placed me, renders it necessary 
that i should point out the mistakes which Mr. Rous has made, 
and the erroneous conclusions to which he has arrived, lest it 
should be thought that I have been emplopng "^"^ figures of 
rhetoric" and indulging in "idle visions" to ''deceive the 
public ; " and, what is of far greater consequence^ lest this 
great cause be retarded, in which the interest of the farmer, 
the security of the landowner, the prosperity of the manu- 
facturer, and the welfare of the poor are involved. 

That this great undertaking should be opposed by the Hon. 
Gentleman just at the time when the fruits of my labours 
become apparent, is a mystery that shall, at some future 
opportunity, be unravelled. My present explanation will 
.counteract, I trust, the baneful tendency of his letter ; a letter 
that has been hailed by many Anti-Corn-Law papers, and joy- 
fully disseminated by them throughout the kingdom. And 
why ? Because they hope it will contribute to retard a cause 
which, if successful, must inevitably defeat the mad schemes of 
that revolutionary party. 



THE LETTER OF THE HON. W. R. ROUS. 



199 



To the Editor of the Norwich Mercury. 

^^Dear Sir^ — In matters of business practical men prefer 
figures of arithmetic to figures of rhetoric — plain facts to idle 
visions ; I have, therefore, taken up my pen for the purpose of 
undeceiving the public, by a simple statement of the probable 
future cost of growing and preparing an acre of flax ready for 
spinning into yarn ; also to state the proved value of an acre 
of very superior flax grown by myself and worked at North 
Walsham. The soil was a first-rate flax soil^ rich light loam 
— in good heart, sowed 2nd April. 

£. s. d. 

Rent, tithe, and rates . . . . . .200 

Two winter ploughings . . . . . . 12 

Spring harrowing down, ploughing, sowing, and bushing . Oil 
One thousand gallons of liquid manure . . . . 15 

Three bushels of seed . . . . . .10 

Weeding and pulling crop . . . . , .12 

Steeping, drying, re-tying, etc. . . . ..100 

Scutching 54 stone of flax, at 3*. per stone . . .820 

15 2 

Value of crop : 

54 stone of flax, at 9*. per stone . . . . . 24 6 

Balance . . . . .940 



An ample profit ; but 54 stone of flax is vastly beyond an 
average crop, and 9^. a stone can only be obtained for a supe- 
rior fibre ; besides, land in general would require an outlay of 
3/. in manure per acre. To be concise, I am perfectly sure, 
that unless the manufacturers can afford to give Ss. a stone for 
the flax after being scutched, the farmer cannot afford to grow 
it. When this last fact is ascertained, as it will be, before the 
general meeting of the Flax Society held in February, the 
problem will be solved, whether the culture of flax can be 



200 



THE author's KEPLY TO 



sufficiently followed up to be an extensive source of employ- 
ment for our labourers. 

" I am, dear Sir, your obedient servant, 

"W. Rous. 

''P.S. — Where the flax has been grown for seed, generally 
speaking, the fibre has not paid for the labour and cost. 
Indeed, I have no proof of its having been profitable in a 
single instance ; but there is some now working which promises 
well." 

If any one has reason to rejoice at this account, I have : 
because, notwithstanding its glaring defects, it tends to es- 
tablish, not only the correctness of all my statements, but also 
that of my arithmetical calculations. I refer to the second 
number of my series dated August 2nd, headed " Value of the 
Flax Crop to the grower wherein I showed from English, 
Irish, and Belgian reports, that the value per acre of good 
flax would be 24/. including all expenses, which is six shillings 
less than the amount of Mr. Rous's crop. I also estimated our 
best growing crops at 40 or 50 stone per acre ; and the flax at 
85. to 125. or 15s. per stone, exclusive of the seed. The 
accuracy of this estimate I rested on information derived from 
]3ersonal inquiries in Ireland, from similar opportunities in 
England, from reading authentic works, and from an extensive 
correspondence. In pamphlets and public letters I laboured 
to communicate my experience in easy and comprehensible 
terms, in order that my most unlearned readers might profit. 
I say laboured, because the scholar will acknowledge that the 
difficulty of writing a few sentences of plain common sense is 
greater than that of many pages of rhetorical flourish. 

I have no wish to lessen Mr. Rous's estimation of the prac- 
tical men to whom he alludes. But, of his letter, I must 
observe, that it will not raise their reputation either as men of 
business, of figures, of facts, or of rhetoric ; — of business, 
because they never attended either to the steeping, grassing, 
or scutching of the flax in question ; — of figures, because their 
account is extremely defective in many items which the prac- 



THE LETTER OF THE HON. W. R. ROUS. 



201 



tical man would have added to the list of expenses (certainly 
he would not have put down one pound for seed when the real 
quantity was a barrel containing three bushels and a half, and 
that cost 455. ; nor would he have allowed 3^. per stone for 
scutching-, when experienced hands could readily perform the 
work at 2^. 3<f., or even at less per stone) ; — of facts, because 
no mention is made of five stones of tow, of several bushels of 
seed and chaff threshed from the stalks, nor of the after-crop of 
turnips, which, being grown in the same year, ought to have 
been added to the account, as the rent, rates, and tithes are 
now all charged to the flax-crop ; — of rhetoric, because Mr. 
Rous's first-rate flax-soil has not produced so profitable a crop 
as many soils of a quality far inferior, yet better adapted to 
the growth of first-rate flax. Nor is 9^. per stone by any 
means '^the highest price that can be obtained for superior 
fibre." Mr. Demann, the Belgian, who prepared Mr. Rous's 
flax, grew some himself at North Walsham, by way of experi- 
ment, which he estimates at twenty shillings per stone. In 
truth, flax varies from even below five to twenty-five shillings 
per stone. Again, that ^'land in general would require an 
outlay of three pounds per acre in manure " is contrary to the 
experience of every grower. Were so much applied, it would 
in most cases greatly injure, if not entirely destroy the crop. 
That " land in general " should require four tim.es more 
manure than Mr. Rous's, is an assumption that agriculturists 
"in general" will regard as a flash of rhetoric, rather than as 
a matter of fact. Experience has shown, that to grow flax to 
perfection land should be in so fine a state as to require no 
manure at all. I could annex much information on this point 
from authentic documents, wherein it would appear that most 
of our flax was grown last year without the direct application 
of manure. — I select one : — 

Ormesb?/, 3\st October, \8i3. 

'^Dear Sir, 

My flax was drilled on the 24th of March, on a 
wheat stubble without manure. My intention was to grow it 
for the seed,* till you advised me to get the fibre also, for which 



202 



THE author's reply TO 



I expect to obtain 121. or 15Z. per acre. 1 have sent a sample 
of the seed taken from the stalks when pulled^ and afterwards 
dried on a sail-cloth in the sun. The produce^ 16 bushels per 
acre^ which will pay the expense of pulling, steeping, &c."; 
and when given to cattle crushed, or as compound, will return 
a valuable manure to the land. I sincerely hope j^our endea- 
vours to promote the cultivation of flax in this country may be 
crowned with success. It is only by giving employment that 
we can expect to raise the labouring classes above the depress- 
ing and contaminating circumstances with which they have to 
contend. 

" I remain, dear Sir, yours very truly, 

''Richard Glasspoole. 

To John Warnes, Jim., Esq.'' 

My neighbour, Mr. Brown, grew several acres of flax, and 
has ascertained the weight of an acre to be 53 stone 6 lbs. ; this 
was grown principally for the sake of the fibre, and yet he 
obtained 16 bushels of seed. Two acres w^re sown by the side 
of this flax for seed primarily, of which he had 43 bushels, and 
a fibre as fine as the other. Mr. Harlee Playford, of North 
Repps, made the same experiments with like results. 1 could 
also refer to Mr. Smith, of Gunton ; Mr. Cubitt, of Witton ; 
and numbers of other growers, whose crops, besides my own 12 
acres, are very abundant. As a quietus for the present, I will 
just mention that Mr. Barrett, of Barney, tenant to Lord 
Hastings, threshed out an acre of flax that produced six coombs 
of seed, and so excellent a crop of strong flax that he sold one- 
half of it for 11/. to a rope and twine spinner at Holt, who is 
now engaged in making the finer parts of it into yarn and 
twine, the coarser into rope and line, and the refuse into door- 
mats, &c. 

With regard to Mr. Rous's declaration, that ''unless the 
manufacturers can aff'ord to give 85. per stone for the flax after 
being scutched, the farmer cannot aff'ord to grow it the fol- 
lowing calculation upon an average of 35 stone an acre only, 
with the average rental of 30^. per acre, rates, tithes, &c. 
included, will prove that the hon. gentleman is still in his 



THE LETTER OF THE HON. W. K. ROUS. 



203 



novitiate, and show how necessary are the figures of a practical 
mind to rectify his errors. 



By 35 stone of flax, at 

Ss. per stone . 
4J coombs of seed for 

crushing- 
Chaff and refuse flax, 

&c. 
Tow 



£. s. 


d. 


14 





6 15 





15 





7 


6 



Deduct 
Balance 



21 17 6 
12 

£9 17 6 



s. d. 

Rent, &c. . . . 1 10 
Tillage . . . 17 6 
Manure, if any . .15 
Three bushels of seed 

(warranted) . . 1 10 
Pulling, steeping, and 

after processes . .115 
Scutching 35 stone of 

flax at 2s. per stone . 3 10 
Threshing 4^ coombs 

of seed, and re-tying 

sheaves with double 

bands . . .110 
Incidental expenses .0 11 6 



£12 



"An ample profit." Ample, because 211. i7s. 6d. per acre 
is much more than the acre able value of corn crops ; ample, 
because 9L I7s. 6d. an acre net profit, is 91. lOs. more than 
has been realized upon average farms in Norfolk during 
the last seven years, if not upon the best (for the accuracy of 
this calculation I refer the hon. gentleman to his neighbour 
Mr. Gower, who rents 500 acres of fine and well-cultivated 
land) ; ample profit, because the grower ought to be content 
with the same return for flax, that he obtains for other crops ; 
ample, because of the indirect advantages, which my pen would 
fail me to enumerate. 

Mr. Rous next alludes to a problem that is to be solved 
before the meeting of the Flax Society in February. In the 
meantime other problems are being worked out, which, on com- 
parison, at that eventful period, will, I hope, be found to accord ; 
for " they also promise well," 

With respect to the postscript, Mr. Rous ought to have been 
informed why the fibre from the flax grown for seed ''generally 
speaking "had not paid for the ''labour and cost;" when it 
would have appeared that owing to thorough ignorance of the 
business on the one hand, and neglect on the other, the flax 
referred to was so much spoiled as not to repay the expenses. 



204 



MR. GOWEk's flax CHOP. 



In some instances 1 lb. only^ out of 13 of prepared flax-stalks, 
was obtained, which is three times more waste than is now made 
in scutching properly-prepared flax at Trimingham. Besides, 
the flax in question was gro^wn by amateurs in 1842. As 
amateurs, too, they sent it to North Walsham, where by 
novices it was reduced to tow ; and then, contrary to the prin- 
ciples upon which the Norfolk Flax Society was formed, they 
were compelled, alas ! to pay even for the waste of their own 
property. No wonder, then, that Mr. Rous should exclaim. 
Indeed I have no proof of its having been profitable in a 
single instance." Cases of profit, however, are recorded. I 
select two ; one by the hon. gentleman himself, in his letter of 
the 6th of December, addressed to the Noblemen, Clergy, 
Gentr}^, Yeomanry, and others interested in the prosperity of 
the county of Norfolk ;" and re-pubhshed in my pamphlet 
entitled ' Reasons for the Cultivation of Flax ; or, a Voice 
for the Poor where he observes, " I may as well state, 
that Mr. Atkinson of Bacton threshed out at the rate of six 
coombs two bushels of seed per acre, and that he has been 
off'ered forty shillings per cwt. for the straw when slightl}' pre- 
pared." 

The other, by Mr. GoAver, in a letter to an agriculturist 
in the western part of Norfolk, of AAhich the following is a 
verbatim extract : — 

"^I have no doubt of flax being a pacing crop. I grew 
four acres, part for seed, and part for the fibre. I had five 
coombs of seed per acre off" the whole, and was bid 35Z. for the 
fibre after I threshed the seed ; it cost about ^s. per coomb to 
thresh, and II. per acre for pulling it up. I am certain it will 
answer for the seed alone, as five coombs of seed will raise more 
beef, and more manure in quality, than any acre of turnips we 
ever grew." 

Herein is a marvellous account of flax and seed grown -v^-ithin 
a few fields of Mr. Rous's crop, wliich, after alloAving for seed, 
rent, tillage, &c., the extravagant charge of 25^. for pulling 
and threshing, and only oOs. per coomb for the linseed obtained, 
leaves a clear profit of lOZ. S-y. per acre, exceeding that gentle- 
man's " ample profit" by IZ. I^. per acre; which, observe, is 
exclusive of the factor's profit. A marvellous account I Mr. 



PUOFITS OF FLAX CULTURE MISREPRESENTED. 



205 



Gower belongs to the Committee of the Norfolk Flax Society, 
of which Mr. Rous is the president. 

I here lay down my pen with honour, for volumes could not 
afford stronger evidence to prove that where flax is grown for 
seed, the fibre will make a profitable return for "labour and 
cost." Nor could volumes more clearly acquit me of having 
indulged in "idle visions" to "deceive the public." 

I remain. Sir, your obedient servant, 

John Warnes, Jun. 

Trimingham, January lAth, 1844. 



Note. — As a further proof, if necessary, of the determination of 
those who assumed the management of the Norfolk Flax Society, to 
destroy a good cause, I here insert their expiring effort ; in order that 
Mr. Rous's crop of 1845 may be compared with that of 1843, and the 
profits upon each year's produce ascertained. 

It will be seen, by the two reports, that the quantity of flax was 4 st. 
in the latter year beneath the former ; but, including tow and refuse, 
both returns, viz. 24Z., are alike within six shillings. 

In justice, one side of the question ought to have been shown as well 
as the other; when it would have appeared, that the crop of 1845, 
if dressed by hand, was nearly equal to that of 1843, and that a profit 
of 9/. per acre would again have been established. 

Never was there a greater perversion than the placing, to the debtor 
account, losses occasioned by a badly-constructed machine, ignorant 
workmen, and moderate horses. Losses, seriously increased by the 
waste of more than 10 st. of flax ; for the tow and refuse, instead of 
30 J St., ought not much to have exceeded 15. 

The small quantity of seed obtained, proves also another glaring 
defect in the treatment of the stalks when first pulled. My own crop 
of seed, in the same year, exceeded 18 bushels per acre, Vv ith the finest 
fibre I ever grew. Mr. Druce's, as may be seen in the introductory 
remarks, was 24 bushels per acre. 

To the Editor of the Norfolk Chronicle. 

Sir, 

You will much oblige by inserting the subjoined in your paper of 
this week. 

I remain, yours obediently, 

RICHARD G. ATLEE, 
Secretary to the Norfolk Flax Society. 

Dilham, 23rd April, 1846. 



206 



FLAX CULTURE AT WORSTEAD. 



A correct account of the actual cost of an Acre of Flax, grown for fibre 
principally, on very good land, at Worstead, in the year 1845, and of the 



produce : — 

£ s. d. 

Rent, tithe, and rates 290 

Three ploughings, harrowings, and sowings 12 

3^ bushels of seed of superior quality, bought of Mr. T. Cubitt, 

Witton 1 10 7i 

30 barrels liquid manure 076 

Pulling 110 

Rippling, &c., sorting, and tying 13 6 

Carting to steeping-place 040 

Carting hurdles, wood, &c., to sink the flax 5 

Putting flax into steep, taking it out, untying, spreading, turning, 

and re-tying 120 

Carting flax into barn 040 

Fetching scutching-machine nine miles 6 

Hire of 2 horses of Mr. Lacey, Tunstead, two weeks . . .300 

Food ditto, at lis. per w^eek each horse 2 4 

Three men and one lad breaking flax, scutching ditto with ma* 

chine, and one boy driving the horses twelve days . . . 5 15 6 

Bags for packing flax in 7 6 

Carriage and freight of flax to Leeds, commission on sale of 

ditto, &c 1116 



£22 13 li 

8 load manure for turnips, &c., grown after the flax . . .200 



£24 13 ]A 

PKODUCE. 

50 St. fine flax, sold on the average at 85. 9d. per stone . . 21 17 6 

6i St. tow, at 2s. per stone 0130 

3 cwt. refuse, at 5s. per cwt. . . .. . . . .0150 

3 bushels unripe seed (consumed) 15 



£24 6 

Turnips as spring feed 200 



£26 6 

Deduct expenditure ' 24 1 3 1a 



Remaining . . £l 6 4^ 

This statement is given as showing the value of an acre of flax in a favour- 
able season, when proper care has been taken in the cultivation of the plant 
and in the management of it during the steeping process. The expense of 
scutching has been extraordinarily high, owing to the necessity of being 



ANSWER TO MR. GOWER. 



207 



obliged to use horses (very moderate ones), and of obtaining men from a 
distance at a higher rate of wages than is customary in this district. 

The expense of cultivating, rating, and scutching a superior acre of flax of 
the above description, might be reduced to 16/. 

The above, however, is a useful record, as it establishes the fact 
that Norfolk land is capable of producing 80 st. of flax per acre ; and 
that, under judicious management, the crop is of all others the most 
profitable to the grower, and second to none in importance to the 
Nation. 



No. X. 

Sir, 

It is with no common feelings of regret that I find 
myself compelled to devote a portion of the present number to 
the refutation of Mr. Gower's letter^ that appeared in your 
paper of January 27 ; a letter that I should have considered 
totally unworthy of notice in times less alarming than the 
present. But, knowing how prompt the Anti-Corn-Law League 
is to lay hold of, and to disseminate, anything that may be 
turned to the destruction of the farmer, I am bound to pro- 
nounce it a most inconsistent and fallacious document. 

In vain would be the remonstrances of the tenant, the pro- 
testations of the landlord, and the exertions of protective 
associations to stem the torrent of free-trade, if Mr. Gower's 
monster- calculations are suffered to remain unexplained. 

Whether the net profit upon an acre of prepared flax, ac* 
cording to the Hon. Mr. Rous's account, amounts to 91. As., or to 
5/. 1 \s. per acre for unprepared flax, according to Mr. Gower's 
account ; or whether the seed is worth 255., SO^., or 40^. per 
coomb, are questions of minor importance to the public, seeing 
that the crop ensures, at all events, an abundance of employment ' 
to the labourer, and a profitable return to the grower. Thus 
much even Mr. Gower himself has established without the aid 
of a College education." Indeed, he has proved, beyond dis- 
putation, all, or more than, I ever promised. For, on referring 
to my ' Suggestions,' I find the following passage : — 



208 



WAGES OF FLAX-DRESSERS. 



" The value of linseed per acre, exclusive of the flax, would 
probably not amount to more than that of barley ; flax in- 
cluded, it would be worth as much as wheat." 

I am aware that my publications have rendered me highly 
responsible to my country. It is therefore with much satis- 
faction that I can refer to them for support against the attacks 
of prejudice or malignity. In all essential points my state- 
ments have been borne out by corroborative evidence, by the 
results of successful experiment, and by assurances on every 
hand, first, that compound is now so generally used to fatten 
cattle as materially to lessen the demand for, and consequently 
to reduce the price of, oil-cake : — Secondly, that the crops of 
linseed are superior both as respects quahty and quantity to 
those of any part of the world : — Thirdl}^, that in every in- 
stance where the value of the fibre, grown in 1843, has been 
ascertained, a satisfactory profit has been realized — satisfac- 
tory, because it is but reasonable to expect that in future 
years the cost of management and preparation will be reduced 
to that of Somersetshire, where the hand-scutching process is 
performed at Is. 6d. per dozen, or three -halfjDence per pound. 
Should Mr. Gower be disposed to contradict this statement, 
I refer him to Mr. T. B. Edmonds, jun., of South Petherton, 
Somersetshire. A gentleman who wrote to Mr. Rous in the 
first instance, has since corresponded with me, and will, when 
required, send men into Norfolk upon the above terms, to 
dress our flax for market. I exhibited, at the meeting in St. 
Andrew's Hall, on the 26th of January, a bundle of flax con- 
sisting of twelve pounds, tied up in the peculiar fashion of 
Somersetshire, for which the men are paid I5. 6d. for scutch- 
ing. It is said to be well prepared, and may be seen at the 
Library, St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, on application to the 
porter. 

An unanswered letter is now before me from Mr. Edmonds, 
written at the request of a young man twenty-three years of 
age, the son of an experienced flax-dresser, who is desirous of 
undertaking the management of Norfolk flax, at 2s. per day 
when not at task-work." He is strongly recommended ; but 
as I do not require his services myself, perhaps Mr. Gower 



PRICE OF LINSEED AT LYNN. 



209 



will see it his interest to engage the man, rather than persist 
in pajdng 3s. per stone for scutching flax, which, if properly 
prepared, can be readily done for l^". 9c?. or 2s. 

The same work can be performed by a sciitching-mill at 
10c?. or Is. per stone; but even then, we must wait with pa- 
tience till our labourers have learned the art of using it, before 
we, or they, can fully reap the benefit. Hence the necessity 
of an Asscxjiation to defray the expense of teachers and the 
support of pupils. 

Great is the absurdity of Mr. Gower's endeavour to make 
the public believe, that the future cost of scutching flax must 
always be 3s. per stone. Equally so is his attempt to under- 
value linseed in general, by estimating his own at only 25s. 
per coomb. 

Presuming that Mr. Gower's linseed, like most samples that 
I have seen of Norfolk growth, is of first-rate quality, and fit 
for sowing, I assert that such seed has long been worth at 
market 36s., per coomb, and is still rising in price. I think, 
therefore, that I did not greatly err in valuing it at 30^. for 
cattle-food. Besides, I find that five measures of home-grown 
linseed are equal to six of foreign. At that rate it is used 
upon my own premises with great success. The best foreign 
crushing linseed at Lynn is now worth 27s. per coomb, but 1 
take the medium price at 25s., and allow one-sixth for its infe- 
riority as to quality and weight, which makes our own amount 
to 30s. for crushing purposes ; and I am confident that it is 
cheaper at that rate than foreign linseed, or oil-cake at 6/. per 
ton. 

Last year, Mr. Gower paid 45s. per barrel for three bushels 
and a half of foreign sowing linseed. Messrs. Mackie and Co., 
of Norwich, sold English at 10s. 6c?. per bushel, and Norfolk 
growers sold theirs at the same price, amongst whom I believe 
was Mr. Gower himself. 

Mr. Demann, the Belgian, has again been an importer. 
Many sacks of Norfolk seed are already bespoken, and will 
shortly pass through Mr. Gower's farm on the way to Yar- 
mouth, from thence by sea to diff'erent parts of the kingdom. I 
have every reason to think that some thousand acres of flax- 
seed will be sown this year, a circumstance at which I devoutly 

p 



210 



THE AUTHOR REFUTES 



rejoice, not because of a paltry triumph over an unprincipled 
opposition^ but because of the benefits which the British farmer 
and the British labourer will derive through the circulation of 
those immense sums now sent to foreign countries for flax, lin- 
seed, oil, and cake. 

From reports laid before the Board of Agriculture many 
years since, and other documents on the cultivation of flax, in- 
trusted to me by Lord Hastings, I perceive that half a guinea 
per bushel was a common price for sowing seed, and not unfre- 
quently 145, Extracts from those writings in the form of a 
pamphlet will shortly be published, at his Lordship's desire, for 
general circulation, when some remarkable facts, confirmatory 
of my oft-repeated statements relative to the value, utility, 
and advantages of the flax-crop will appear. 

Mr. Gower observes, ''It is but just to state that the 
crop of 1843 was cultivated under Mr. Warnes's almost daily 
direction." 

This I utterly deny. — Trimingham is distant about twelve 
miles from Dilham — a place that I have scarcely seen half a 
dozen times during the past fifteen j^ears. Mr. Gower adds, 
" he sent the seed, the man, and drill ; — it stood until Mr. W. 
said it was ' nice and brown then it was spread on the land, 
and afterwards turned with a long stick ; and ultimately, when 
it had been exposed to the sun and weather as long as he di- 
rected, it was stacked; but not till it had been so injured by 
such treatment that it was worth little or nothing." I certainly 
had the pleasure of sending a man, drill, and seed to several 
persons in the neighbourhood of Dilham, who were anxious to 
try the experiment. To all I afforded the best information in 
my power; nor am I aware that any of their crops were 
injured through my interference ; certainly not Mr. Gower's. 
But I can confidently aver, that after the seed had been 
threshed, the stalks were stacked, and so improperly thatched, 
that the rain penetrated the sheaves in every direction, and 
rotted many ; they were then sent to North Walsham to be 
prepared. I refer to Mr. Demann. 

How astonishing that Mr. Gower should have been so ill 
advised as to rest his attempted refutation of No. 9 upon ma- 
terials so unsound ! I say attempted, because in no respect 



THE STATEMENTS OF MR. GOWER. 



211 



has he grappled with the arguments I adduced, or disproved 
a single assertion that I ventured to make. Nor is his want 
of a college education" to be admitted as an excuse for the 
perversion of my declaration that "91. 17 s. 6<i. an acre net pro- 
fit, is 9/. lOs. more than has been realized upon average 
farms in Norfolk during the last seven years." Had the elu- 
cidation of truth been the onl?/ object, his task would have 
been comparatively easy. The intricacy, however, occasioned 
by an attempt to overthrow the value of the flax crop, brought 
upon him the painful consciousness of a want of those logical 
and rhetorical acquirements -which college men are expected to 
possess. 

When a counsellor has the good fortune to plead the cause 
of innocence, his task is both easy and agreeable. But when 
guilt requires his aid, he is compelled to resort to well-arranged 
premises, acute reasoning, and clever quibbles, to blind the 
eyes of the jury, in which he is too often successful. Hence 
Mr. Gower's dilemma ; for, wanting the above panoply, he 
was constrained to cover the profits of his flax with an abun- 
dance of straw. And, in order to swell the profits of his grain 
beyond his flax crop, he resorted to the extraordinary expe- 
dient of valuing at 3Z. per acre the straw, that forms no part 
of a farmer's direct return. Had Mr. Gower properly defined 
the only account to which straw could be turned, and I he net 
profit from each separate crop of wheat, barley, oats, turnips, 
grass, and hay, and added them together, I affirm that the 
average profits would appear to be not only nine times but 
nineteen times less than the profits of an acre of flax at 
9/. 175. 

1 made no exclusive comparison between a ''crop of flax 
and a crop of corn," as Mr. Gower insinuates, but clearly re- 
ferred to the acreahle profit of a whole farm, which will be seen 
in the following extract : — 

''Ample profit, because 9/. \7s. ^cl. an acre net profit is 
9Z. IO5. more than has been realized upon average farms in 
Norfolk during the last seven years, if not upon the best ; 
ample profit, because the grower ought to be content with the 
same return for flax that he obtains for other crops ; ample, 

p 2 



212 



THE AUTHOR REFUTES 



because of the indirect advantages which my pen would fail me 
to enumerate." 

I repeat my firm conviction^ that ten shillings per acre net 
profit is more than has been realized upon the average farms 
in Norfolk during the past seven years. On the contrary^ Mr. 
Gower informs the public, that his profits are SI. 2s. 3d. per 
acre for oats, 71. 9s. Sd. for wheat, and 3/. for straw. Or, in 
other words, 1500^. per year for corn, and 750/. for straw, from 
one moiety of his farm consisting of 500 acres ; an account 
which, however fabulous, will doubtless be promulgated with 
avidity by the Anti-Corn-Law League as a confirmation of 
Mr. Rous's recent comparisons on the same subject. Indeed, 
I should not be at all surprised to learn, that the following 
placard was handed about the streets of all manufacturing 
towns : — 

" Extraordinary profits of Norfolk farmers, — 
1500Z. for Corn. 
750/. for Straw. 

" Grand Total 2250 Pounds sterling, net profit from 250 
acres of land at Dilham. 
^'The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth." 

Let it not be supposed that I treat this subject with levity. 
The above calculation was suggested to me by a practical far- 
mer, who, with many intelligent agriculturists in this and other 
counties, warrants me in declaring, that he has not added a 
shilling to his capital by farming during the past seven years. 
They all consider that Mr. Gower's mistakes are fraught with 
dangerous consequences ; and that it will be in vain to oppose 
the rage for free trade if Norfolk farmers exaggerate their 
profits. Mr. Gower occupies 500 acres of first-rate land, to 
the superior cultivation of which I can cheerfully testify. It 
is hoped that he will favour the public with a clear debtor 
and creditor report from his farm-accounts, in order that it 
may be fully ascertained, — 1st, whether his profits on oats and 
wheat are fifteen pounds or fifteen pence per acre ; 2ndly, whe- 
ther any material value can be attached to the straw beyond 



THE STATEMENTS OF MR. GOWER. 



213 



its use as litter for cattle, and as a vehicle for conveying manure 
to the fields ; 3rdly, whether any reasonable reduction of rent 
would really enable him to live as well with Avheat at 45. as at 
85. per bushel. Upon this 4s. and 85. question I shall not 
at present animadvert. But as agriculture has long been 
subjected to a species of high treason on the one hand, and a 
secret conspiracy on the other, I warn Mr. Gower against being 
inveigled into the opinion, that land rent-free would enable 
the British farmer to subsist with wheat at 45. per bushel. 
Even under the present protective duties, I am convinced that 
agriculture is doomed to a struggle more severe than it has 
yet encountered, and that nothing short of increased produc- 
tion will enable us to withstand the contest. 

With these views I promulgated — in pamphlets, previous 
letters, and the present series — plans that, wherever adopted, 
have been found efficacious. How ungenerous, then, for Mr. 
Gower to combine with others in thwarting the dissemination 
of benefits which, through my labours, he has been long enjoy- 
ing, and which cost him nothing to obtain ! 

Christianity enjoins the diffusion of those blessings that we 
possess ourselves. How narrow^, then, the policy that would 
confine withm the limits of a locality the advantages which a 
nation must derive from the cultivation of the inestimable 
flax-plant! " Inestimable, because the fibre is convertible to 
the most useful, as well as the most costly articles of wearing- 
apparel : inestimable, because it affords more employment 
than any other production of the earth ; inestimable, because 
of the seed, which produces a valuable oil, a superior cake to 
fatten bullocks, and forms the principal ingredient of the in- 
comparable cattle-compound . ' ' 

The Hon. Mr. Rous has shown that a profit of 91. has been 
obtained from an acre of flax, after a full allowance for rent, 
tillage, &c., besides lOZ. for labour in preparing the fibre for 
market. Mr. Gower shows a profit of 51. lis. for seed and 
unprepared flax; which flax is now, I understand, "being 
worked out " at a corresponding rate of expense. I take these 
two cases, on account of their publicity, to prove the immea- 
surable advantages that must accrue from the employment of 
the people, whether the profits, in future, be one or nine 



214 



MR. COPEMAn's address. 



pounds per acre. Immeasurable, because I am convinced that 
had all the flax grown last year in this part of Norfolk been 
prepared for scutching^ it would have afforded employment, 
during the winter months, for more able-bodied men than are 
now confined in the overflowing workhouses of the North and 
South Erpingham Unions. 

And here I cannot forbear referring to the admirable address 
of Robert Copeman, Esq., of Aylsham, that appeared in your 
paper of last week, respecting the lamentable state of Buxton 
workhouse, and the desirableness of finding employment for 
the poor; an address which will be received with interest 
from the known ability of that gentleman, and I trust will be 
the means of stirring up the philanthropy of the neighbour- 
hood to carry out his humane propositions. 

It is, as Mr. Copeman observes, " Unquestionably much 
better to keep men employed, even if not in very productive 
labour, than to support them in idleness." Hence the neces- 
sity of cultivating, in every parish, small proportions of flax, 
the various ramifications of which would provide employment 
for the able-bodied labourer during^ the cessation of other 
work ; and for the juvenile population throughout the year. 
Thus would the necessity for enlarging old workhouses, or 
building new ones, be obviated, and the burden of such esta- 
blishments be mainly removed. 

Were about two acres out of every hundred of cultivated 
land sown with linseed in the latter part of March or the first 
week in April, the crop would, in most seasons, be secured in 
time to sow the land with turnips ; herein no loss could accrue 
to the farmer, while an invaluable benefit would be conferred 
on the community at large. For, as "Idleness is at the root 
of all evil, so is employment at the root of all moral, civil, and 
religious order." 

I am, your obedient servant, 

John Warnes, Jun, 

Trimingham, Feb. Uh, 1844. 



CONTRADICTION OF MR. VAN IMSCHOOt's ASSERTION. 215 



No. XI. 

Sir, 

The extraordinary manoeuvre to which Mr. Gower has 
resorted to avert the force of my strictures, shows how unwill- 
ing he is to quit the field, though defeated at every turn. 

As a last resource, my persevering opponent sent a despatch 
across the German Ocean to obtain a foreign ally — an ally too 
from a Flax Commission House, at Ghent," whose interests 
are intimately connected with the overthrow of the flax cause 
in Great Britain ; an ally, upon whose bare assertion, that he 
never said one of my fields of flax was worth 25Z. per acre, Mr. 
Gower would persuade the world that I ought to be convicted 
of falsehood ; an ally, who has the efi"rontery to assert that he 
scarcely ever saw "badder crops," in opposition to men of 
experience who said they never saw better ; an ally, who has 
also the impudence to declare, that his sudden departure from 
England hindered him from contradicting my statement, 
although he could easily have done so while on a visit a 
few days after at his '^esteemed" friend's house at Dilham. 
Nor did young Van Imschoot depart so suddenly as he would 
have us believe : for he remained in Norfolk several weeks 
afterwards, located in the old workhouse at North Walsham, 
within six miles of Trimingham. Mr. Editor, you are doubt- 
less aware that human nature is encompassed with many infir- 
mities, of which conceit is not the least. Those who are better 
acquainted with Mr. Gower than I am, are astonished that this 
prominent defect should have led him to suppose that " Norfolk 
farmers and the British public" would place any reliance upon 
his imported evidence from the Flax Commission House at 
Ghent ; a house that is engaged, with others, in sending five 
millions' worth of flax every year to Great Britain." 

That young Imschoot, in reply to my question, said 25/., I 
positively aver. But whether he did or not is a question un- 
important to the agriculturists of Norfolk, and to the British 
public. But the accuracy of the report contained in the letter 
of the Hon. Mr. Rous, President of the Norfolk Flax Society, 
written at the suggestion of Mr. Atlee, the secretary, and of Mr. 



216 



THE AUTHOR DEFENDS HIS CAUSE 



Gower^ the officiating member of the committee, is of real im- 
portance ; because in that report a clear profit of 9Z. 4s. from 
an acre of flax, independent of the seed, is proved. 

Did this party possess the power of a Roman Triumvirate, 
they could not have issued a proclamation to which the British 
farmer would have paid greater deference, nor one that could 
have more absolutely confirmed the success of my original j)ro- 
jects, published in the ' Suggestions,' viz., 1st, The Fattening 
of Cattle upon Native Produce. — 2ndly, The Growth of Flax 
for the sake of the seed as a substitute for Foreign Oil- Cake. — 
3rdly, The cultivation of that prolific plant with reference 
principally to the value of the fibre. 

Completely as my views have been verified^ and much as I 
have cause to congi-atulate my country on the prospect of 
profitable employment being found for the population, I am 
nevertheless bound to observe, that the return furnished to 
Mr. Rous, and to which the hon. gentleman affixed his 
name, is a document to which he will, one day, refer with 
regTet. 

If the letter signed W. R. Rous may be considered as a pro- 
clamation of the value of a flax crop ; so may that issued under 
the signature of George Gower be regarded as an edict pro- 
hibiting the public from placing any confidence in me. I say 
under the signature, because it is evident that the composition 
emanated not from his own, but from the pen of a latent an- 
tagonist, evincing a servility on the one hand, and a cowardice 
on the other. 

Undoubtedly the arguments contained in Nos. IX. and X. 
of my series ought to have been refuted, or the impossibility 
of so doing candidly acknov/ledged. 

Seeing, then, that in the place of argument abuse has been 
substituted, I calmly submit to the fate of a prophet in his own 
country ; a fate that I anticipated when writing the preface to 
my ' Reasons for the Cultivation of Flax wherein I observed 
that ''Popularity was, at best, an uncertain privilege," and 
of which the following extract is, alas ! a lively illustration 
taken from the public journals, and addressed to the " Noble- 
men, Clergy, Gentry, Yeomanry, and others interested in the 
prosperity of the county of Norfolk." 



AGAINST MR. ROUS AND MR. GOWER. 



217 



"My Lords and Gentlemen^ 

" I earnestly beg your attendance at the meeting on the 
16th. You will then have an opportunity of hearing from that 
energetic and excellent gentleman^ Mr. Warnes, who has spared 
neither time, nor labour, nor money, in making himself master 
of the subject, a full account of the mode of growing flax in 
Ireland, a clear exposition of our own prospects, if we adopt 
its culture, and much other interesting information on the 
subject. 

" I have the honour to be, &c., 

W. R. Rous. 

" JVorstead House, December 16^/i.'' 

The question may be asked, what has Mr. Warnes done to 
forfeit the esteem of his once ardent supporter? I answer, no- 
thing, but adhere to an uncompromising determination to carry 
out the original designs of the Norfolk Flax Society. Finding 
it impossible to do this in conjunction with the Committee of 
Management, I withdrew, and continued to act independently, 
under a conviction of my Providential call to the work. Hence 
the defeat of the combined attempt to thwart my individual 
exertions, to defame my reputation, and to render nugatory the 
immeasurable benefits to be derived from the cultivation, 
preparation, and manufacture of the flax plant. I sincerely 
regret that self-defence compels me to advert to the above 
topics, and to the perversion of a term in my reply to Mr. 
Rous's letter that had no reference whatsoever to the paltry 
evidence obtained from Ghent. 

The mystery to which I alluded centred partly in a private 
correspondence that passed between the Hon. Mr. Rous and 
myself, in which Mr. Gower's conduct forms a prominent fea- 
ture. Time and circumstances may unravel the mystery 
" earlier, probably, than was anticipated," and disclose a 
treachery and ingratitude that have not often been surpassed. 

I have reviewed the former numbers of my series with much 
care, and it is no small satisfaction to find that I shall not 
have to erase a single sentence. They will, therefore, when 



218 



PRICE OF SCUTCHING. 



complete^ re-appear in the form of a pamphlet, according to my 
original intention. To which will be added the present cor- 
respondence, as a record of the extraordinary and inexplicable 
opposition to which my advocacy of a great cause has been sub- 
jected; an opposition that cannot be too severely deprecated, 
on account of the stubborn and senseless determination evinced 
to underrate the future value of the flax crop, by overrating 
the cost of preparation. 

In my last castigation, I showed Mr. Gower, that instead of 
three shillings, flax could be readily scutched at one shilling 
and ninepence per stone. I then made a slight mistake, for 
the same work can be performed at much less money, as will 
be seen in the following brief extract from a very gratifying 
letter addressed to me by the gentleman to whom I alluded in 
No. X. :— 

"South Petherton, February 1 5th, 1844. 

^'Dear Sir, 

I have noticed your movements in the public papers, 
which, I trust, will be successfully consummated. With 
respect to the misunderstanding between yourself and Mr. 
Gower, relative to scutching flax, I believe in a former letter 
that [ stated the expense to be Is. 6d. per dozen. I had re- 
ference to times when the price of flax and wages were higher. 
This season we get it worked at Is. per dozen generally, but 
my own being very long, I am giving Is. 2d. with two pints of 
cider daily. The three men I sent to Mr. Bates have only 
Is. 2d. without liquor, and they earn \0s. per week, or even 
more. 

" Mr. Bates intends cultivating about 12 acres this spring. 
He had an idea of pajdng you a visit. I perceive that flax is 
about to be grown in Oxfordshire. 

" I am. Sir, yours truly, 

T. B. Edmonds, Jun. 

To John Warnes, Jun., Esq.'' 

I intend to take with me to the meeting on Saturday, speci- 
mens of the above-named gentleman's flax^ which I confidently 



FLAX SEED GROWN AT TRIMINGHAM. 



219 



anticipate will revive the drooping spirits of the Norfolk Flax 
Society ; also some of my own, which I think will prove to the 
Association that Mr. Gower's attempt to convict me of an in- 
tentional mis-statement is unfounded and unwarrantable. 

I am. Sir, yours obediently, 

John Warnes, jun. 

Trimingham, February 20th, 1844. 



No. XII. 

Sir, 

The realization of those benefits which I ventured to 
predict at the commencement of this series, is every day being 
acknowledged. And I confidently anticipate that, at no very 
distant date, my advocacy of the above topics will attain a 
glorious consummation. 

Peculiar circumstances and prejudices will always arise in 
every community to mar the progress of good ; and though 
a man should argue with the " tongue of angels," he would 
fail to allay them. All my attempts to advance the interests 
of agriculture through the cultivation of flax, &c., have been 
attended by the above inconveniences, and obstructed by bar- 
riers, which the force of truth alone enabled me to surmount. 

It is to the reflective, generous, and patriotic mind that my 
writings are especially addressed ; and I rejoice to find that 
in almost every part of the kingdom they excite deep interest, 
and obtain fresh converts to the cause. Associations to pro- 
mote the growth of flax have been established ; and others are 
in progress of being formed. Writers of no mean authority 
are enlisting in the service, whose public and private letters 
are daily being forwarded to me. 

As a lively illustration of the above remarks, Mr. Brown, of 
Trimingham, has already forwarded 167 bushels of sowing seed 
of native growth to Oxfordshire, Sussex, Essex, and other coun- 
ties. Vast quantities have been disposed of from other sources : 
and r learn, from several parties, that the result of their expe- 



220 



PROGRESS OF THE FLAX CAUSE. 



riments upon a small scale last year will induce them to sow 
five, six, or ten acres this spring. 

With respect to the flax-stalks of last year's growth, I have 
the infinite gratification of stating, that my father and Mr. 
Clover have off'ered the gratuitous use of extensive and appro- 
priate premises, steeping-places, drying-grounds, mill, kiln, 
&c. &c., at Aylsham ; in order that the adjacent crops may be 
properly prepared, their real value ascertained, and the pro- 
ceeds returned to the growers. Similar facilities will be 
aff'orded in other parts of the Eastern Division of the county ; 
also by the West Norfolk Branch of the National Flax and 
Agricultural Improvement Association. The East Suff'olk 
Branch likewise carries out vigorously the desig-ns of the Parent 
Society. Mr. Brown, from Norfolk, has been engaged, and is 
now travelling through that part of the county, to afford in- 
struction relative to the proper preparation of the soil, to the 
sowing of the seed, and to the box-feeding and summer-grazing 
system. 

It is intended to locate experienced workmen at the various 
establishments, where active young men will be taught the 
necessary arts of steeping, grassing, scutching, &c. &c., and 
thus a number of well-taught hands can quickly be dispersed 
throughout the kingdom for the future management of the 
fibre. I trust that this brief outline of our proceedings will 
remove all doubts as to the future disposal of this part of the 
crop. 

With respect to the seed, which I must think is of greater 
importance to the "farmer and the grazier," I now, in the 
most unequivocal and unqualified manner, repeat what I have 
so often advanced, that the cultivation of the plant for the sake 
of the linseed will amply remunerate. I no longer assert this 
as a matter of opinion, but as a matter of fact, substantiated 
by the produce of many growers last year. I am induced to 
express myself thus strongly in consequence of the injudicious 
remarks contained in our Norfolk agricultural report for the 
present month. The writer observes, ''This, in all probability, 
may be accounted for from the circumstance that the cattle- 
compound is gradually obtaining an ascendancy over oil-cake 
in the grazing department, in the manufacture of which beans 



BOTH FIBRE AND SEED MUST BE SAVED. 



221 



are found to be the cheapest and most useful ingredient, linseed 
perhaps excepted. The cultivation of flax was first taken up 
to supply the latter, and even if it should eventually turn out 
that flax cannot be grown with profit, except for the fibre, a 
great point will still be gained by using a portion at least of 
the produce of our own soil in the shape of what is commonly 
called artificial cattle-food, although we may have to resort to 
the foreigner for the other portion. We would say to every 
farmer and grazier, purchase your linseed and supply yourself 
with what more may be necessary for the manufacture of com- 
pound — the proportion is one stone of linseed to four stones 
weight of bean-meal ; thus you will retain eighty per cent, of 
the amount hitherto expended for oil-cake to circulate and 
re-produce wealth among yourselves, instead of transferring it 
to the pockets of the foreigner."* 

The above advice lays the axe at once to the root of all my 
exertions for the British farmer. In justice to him, I am 
bound to avert a stroke so fatal to his interests. That my 
attempt will prove successful there can be no doubt, because 
profit and common sense declare in my favour. I have already 
shown in my former writings, that unless a strict regard is paid 
to the seed, flax cannot be extensively or profitably cultivated 
in this country. 

By far the greater quantity of imported flax is that from 
which the seed has been saved, and is, from all that I can learn, 
the most profitable to the grower. My object has always been 
to direct public attention to this particular quality, and not to 
those peculiarly fine descriptions, suited alone to garden cul- 
ture, and to hands long accustomed to the arts of preparation. 
My desire is to introduce into our fields this double crop, the 
most remunerative part of which to the " farmer and the gra- 
zier," I again repeat, is the seed. It is true, that the finest 
flax will obtain double the price per ton of the inferior sorts, 
but it must be remembered that more land is required to pro- 
duce it — that it incurs an infinity of trouble and expense, and, 
what is still worse, returns nothing to the soil. Besides, if all 
were to grow first-rate flax, the price would become lower than 

* The writer of the above article had at the time the disposal of a considerable 
quantity of seed beans. 



222 



MIXING THE CATTLE COMPOUND. 



that of the coarser sorts, and we should be placed in a predi- 
cament similar to that of Ireland for the want of the latter 
article last year, as the following passage from my pamphlet, 
entitled ' Extracts from Ancient and Modern Writers on the 
Flax Crop/ will show ; page 13 : ''It was announced, that actually 
coarse flax, for spinning low numbers,* was now so difficult to 
be obtained here, in consequence of the improvement of the 
quality of the crop this season in Ireland, that the Belfast 
spinners were importing largely from the Baltic, and that four 
cargoes had arrived at our quays since the 10th instant. The 
gentleman who stated this circumstance observed, that he had 
been obliged to send his son to Dundee, to purchase the supply 
of the article in question required by him." 

With regard to the cattle-compound, unquestionabl}'^ its 
superiority centres in the linseed meal. Upon this point I never 
before heard a doubt surmised. Four years have now elapsed 
since its discovery, during which time innumerable experi- 
ments have been made and published, of which Mr. Postle's 
will ever stand the foremost. 

Thousands of sheep and bullocks have been, and thousands 
are now being fattened upon linseed, formed into compound, 
in many parts of the kingdom. Under these circumstances, the 
doubt expressed in your agricultural report is to me an inex- 
plicable, though at the same time an amusing, anomaly. 

Without the use of linseed, the attempt profitably to fatten 
cattle upon grain or pulse, would be unavailing. I speak from 
the result of varied experiments, during the progress of which 
I ascertained that it was of little consequence with what ingre- 
dients compounds are made, provided a due proportion of 
linseed be not omitted. For instance, since last July, instead 
of corn, I have used an extra quantity of linseed meal, which 
being intimately incorporated with turnips reduced to a pulp, 
and with ordinary hay cut short, forms a compound, or rather 
a mass, that I find equally efficacious and less expensive ; the 
description and effects of which are clearly stated in the eighth 
number of this series. 

To lay down any general rule for making compound would 
be to destroy one of the greatest advantages that the system 
possesses over oil-cake, and which I have explained in the 



THE author's advice TO AGRICULTURISTS. 223 

' Suggestions.' A compound formed of four parts of properly 
prepared beans, to one only of linseed, would, at the present 
weight, quality, and price of each, cost about 50s. per ton ; 
with the addition of potatoes, something less. Peas, according 
to my own experience, are superior to beans. Potatoes, on 
many accounts, especially on that of economy, are preferable to 
either. In fact, from repeated trial, observation, and report, 
I am strongly in favour of the potato-compound invented by 
Mr. Cubitt, of Witton. But every grazier must consult his 
own convenience. Experience alone will convince him, that 
whether hay, peas or potatoes, beans or barley are employed, 
the office of all mainly consists in conveying linseed to the 
stomach of the animal, and that a great error would be com- 
mitted by a parsimonious use of that potent ingredient, which 
like the philosopher's stone turns everything into gold. Be- 
sides, a liberal proportion of linseed will always ensure the 
ascendancy over foreign oil- cake ; and a quick return, the 
mainspring of all trade, will animate the hitherto tardy ope- 
rations of the farmer and of the grazier. 

My advice is, provide yourselves by all means from the 
resources of your farms, with whatever is necessary to form the 
cattle-compound ; with beans, peas, and potatoes where the 
land is suitable to those crops, but especially with linseed, 
which, observe, will flourish upon soils where none of the 
others can be advantageously cultivated. That flax impover- 
ishes the soil is a mere vulgar notion, devoid of all truth. The 
best historical relations, and the verbal accounts of honest in- 
genuous planters, concur in declaring it to be a vain prejudice, 
unsupported by any authority ; and that these crops really 
meliorate and improve the soil. Again, as Mr. Smith, of 
Chibneys, observes, With respect to the course of crops, to 
make the most advantage of clayey land, flax should be yowv 
first crop ; but this, I know by experience, many, nay, I may 
say all, landlords will argue against; but I have had the 
pleasure, by experience, to convince them that they are wrong ; 
for by sowing flax, and that being well attended to, your land 
is excellently prepared for wheat, your tenant has in the flax 
an excellent manure for his latter-math, upon which his flax is 
laid ; he has a rich supply of seed to feed all his cattle ; he has 



224 



WEST SUFFOLK AGRICULTURAL MEETING. 



abundance of labour for the poor; and at last has, from a good 
crop, from ten to fifteen pounds per acre to put into his purse 
to enable him to be a good tenant, and to give both land and 
landlord every satisfaction required." 

That the above statements are, in the main, correct, there 
can be no doubt. I have grown flax for three years in vari- 
ous fields without perceiving any deterioration of soil or ex- 
hausting effect. On the contrary, I considered the land im- 
proved by the change of rotation, and by the effect of the 
crop on after-tillage. Nor has a complaint of this kind been 
made by any one who grew flax for the sake of the seed in 1842. 
Fifty- six acres were, that year, grown in different parts of 
Norfolk ; and nearly all who then tried the experiment upon 
a small scale, increased it last year, when about 400 acres 
were grown. 

Now, Mr. Editor, when we consider the uncertainty of the 
turnip crop on the one hand, and, on the other, that there are 
thousands of acres that will not produce turnips under any cir- 
cumstances, surely the appropriation of such lands to the pro- 
duction of linseed must confer a lasting benefit not only upon 
the tenant and the landlord, but also upon the kingdom at 
large. 

I am, your obedient servant, 

John Warnes, Jun. 

Trimingham, March 2^th, 1844. 



No. XIII. ' 

Sir, 

Through the kind attention of a gentleman in West 
Norfolk, the Bury Post of the 12th ult was put into my hands, 
containing the report of the West Suffolk Agricultural Asso- 
ciation meeting. My friend is a native of that part of Suffolk, 
and was anxious that I should be offered an opportunity of ac- 
knowledging the high compliment paid me on that occasion, 
and of correcting the statements of the Rev. D. Gwilt, and 



VALUE OF MR. GOWER's OPINION. 



225 



of Mr. Gower, in particular, respecting the cultivation of 
Flax. 

I return my cordial thanks to the president, Capt. Heigham, 
and to the members assembled, for their kind opinion of my 
services to those two great classes of the community, British 
farmers and British labourers, through Avhich all our wants are 
supplied, and to support which I shall not cease to toil, though 
clogged on the one hand by a selfish and idle prejudice, and on 
the other by a misanthropic opposition. 

I regret my absence from the meeting, because I could have 
afforded that information which Mr. Gower so studiously with- 
held, and which, as Hon. Sec. to the National Flax and Agri- 
cultural Improvement Association, I am constrained to supply. 
Otherwise I should consider it unnecessary to animadvert upon 
his incongruous statements, because they clearly prove, if 
further proof were needed, the soundness of my advice to grow 
flax for the sake of the seed as well as for the fibre. 

Mr. Gower observed, " I am satisfied that if a man tried to 
grow both at one time, he would fail in both." But shortly 
afterwards he informed the company, that ''his land last year 
produced seed and forty stone of flax per acre." Now as the 
price for which an article is sold is no criterion of profit, so 
five shillings per stone, the price offered for Mr. Gower 's flax, 
is no criterion of the acreable profit of his crop ; which profit 
was, in fact, the real object of inquiry, and should therefore 
have been laid before the meeting. In Mr. Gower's former 
public, as well as private communications, he declared that he 
" had no doubt of flax being a paying crop, — that he grew four 
acres, part for the seed and part for the fibre, — that he had 
five coombs of seed per acre oflP the whole, and that he was bid 
361 for the fibre after he had taken the seed." But as the seed 
from each crop was not threshed separately, it is impossible to 
ascertain how much the portion of land appropriated to the 
growth of the seed, produced above that for the fibre. From 
many returns before me, varying from 14 even to 32 bushels 
per acre, I calculate about 6 bushels. This would give 26 
bushels per acre, which at Mr. Gower's own and low estimate 
of the value of the seed, at 6^, 3d per bushel, would amount 

Q 



226 



THE AUTHOR CRITICISES THE STATEMENTS 



to 81 5s., or 40 stone of flax included, at 5^. per stone, to 
18/. 55. per acre, independent of the chaff, tow, and broken 
stalks, which may be set against the straw of other crops. 

How strange the anomaly that involves this perplexing 
question, ''How is a man to grow linseed without flax?" and 
Mr. Gower's assertion, that " If a man tried to grow both at 
one time, he would fail in both !" To solve these problems is 
beyond my power. But I have authority from Mr. Robert 
Atkinson, of Walcot, to state, that he grew last year, upon an 
acre of land, instead of turnips, and without manure, 6 coombs 
3 bushels of linseed, and 2 tons 6 cwt. of coarse and fine flax- 
stalks. The seed he disposed of at 65. 6d. per bushel, and the 
stalks at 21. per ton, amounting altogether to 13Z. 7s. 6d., 
exclusive of chaff*. 

It appears that one ton of stalks, after being steeped and 
prepared for scutching, will be reduced to nearly half its 
original weight ; from which half, about one-fourth only of 
marketable flax is generally obtained : so that Mr. Atkinson's 
crop will yield 46 stone of flax, independent of tow, &c., and 
realize, at 5s. per stone, and at 65. 6^?. per bushel for the seed, 
20/. 55-. per acre. This crop is now being worked out upon 
Mr. Bro^vn's premises at Trimingham, at Is. 9d. per stone for 
scutching, and 3d. per stone for breaking ; aff'ording 8s. per day 
to four men. Is. 9d. to two women, and Is. to two girls. My 
father had six pecks of linseed sown upon a little less than an 
acre of land, from which he obtained 4 coombs 2 bushels of 
excellent seed, 37 stone 7 lbs. of fine and coarse flax, 16 stone 
13 lbs. of tow, about 12 sacks of chaff*, and 119 stone of broken 
stalks, the whole of which is estimated at 18/. 5^. The seed 
and chaff* were consumed upon the farm, but the flax, tow, &c. 
remain for the inspection of any party who may feel disposed 
to make further inqniry. 

Mr. Demann, of North Walsham, the Belgian flax factor, 
'gives from 20d. to 2s. per stone for scutching, and Mr. Brown 
pays 2s. ; of which circumstances, I am credibly assured, 
Mr. Gower was not ignorant. Justice, therefore, required 
that he should have qualified the statements of his own ex- 
perience by a candid relation of his neighbours' also, and not 



OF MR. GOWER RELATIVE TO FLAX. 



227 



have left an erroneous impression on the meeting that flax 
must fail to remunerate, because the process of hand-scutching 
could not be performed for less than 3^. per stone. 

I shall not, on the present occasion, attempt to combat Mr. 
Gower's peculiar notion, that flax pulled in a green state will 
weigh one-third more than if allowed to arrive at maturity ; 
but [ cannot so briefly glide over the " very striking instance" 
he adduced of the exhausting efl'ect of the crop ; because the 
flax to which he refers was no other than that grown by the 
Hon. W. R. Rous, at Worstead ; and which, according to the 
detailed account published by that gentleman, realized a clear 
profit of 9Z. per acre, after deducting rent, tithe, rates, tillage, 
manure, seed, steeping, &c., and also scutching at 85. per stone. 
The crop was abundant, averaging from three to four feet in 
length. Some of the stalks, that exceeded four feet four inches, 
I had the pleasure of exhibiting at the Council of the Royal 
Agricultural Society, and at the Derby meeting. 

Under these circumstances it is only reasonable to suppose 
that the soil was in some measure exhausted. But suppo- 
sition is not proof, and therefore Mr. Gower ought not to have 
asserted that " So exhausting was it to the land, that fourteen 
loads of manure per acre were put on the land where it was 
pulled off"," till the effect had been absolutely tested by a suc- 
ceeding crop. The result would, probably, have been in favour 
of the produce after flax, rather than after mangold grown in 
the same field. Undoubtedly fourteen loads of manure were 
applied to the land, but for a purpose far diff"erent from that 
adduced by Mr. Gower. The truth is simple, and easily 
explained. Mr. Rous was desirous of sowing turnip-seed 
immediately after the flax, and of securing two crops in the 
same year. Manure was therefore resorted to, and turnips 
obtained of so excellent a quality that samples were exhibited 
at the North Walsham Root -Show, and the circumstance of 
their having been grown after flax in the same year published 
in the Report of the Farmers' Club, by the Secretary, Mr. 
Gower himself. The land in question was sown with linseed 
on the 2nd of April, 1843, and the account of this interesting- 
experiment first conveyed to the public through the ' Norwdch 
Mercury,' of which the following is a copy : — 

Q 2 



228 



PROFIT OF ONE ACRE OF FLAX. 





£. 


s. 


d. 


Rent, tithe, and rates . . . 


2 








Two winter ploughings ...... 





12 





Spring farrowing down, ploughing, sowing, and bushing 





11 





One thousand gallons of liquid manure 





15 





Three bushels of seed ...... 


1 








Weeding and pulling crop ..... 


1 


2 





Steeping, drying, and retymg, &c. . . . , 


1 








Scutching 54 stone of flax, at 35. per stone . 


8 


2 







£15 


2 





Value of the crop — 54 stone of flax, at 9*. per stone 


£24 


6 





Balance .... 


£9 


4 






It was afterwards discovered that four stone of flax had 
been omitted, and that five stone of tow, ten bushels of seed, 
a quantity of chaff", and about a ton of broken stalks, ought to 
have been added, in order to render the report complete ; also 
the after-crop of turnips, as the rent, rates, and tithe were 
charged to the flax-crop. Without the aid of a very close 
scrutiny, it will be seen that several pounds might be placed 
to the acknowledged profit of 9Z. 4^., and that a sum clear of 
all expenses was realized greatly exceeding the profit from 
any other crop. Considering the number of hands employed, 
and that from ten to twelve pounds or more were distributed 
amongst the poor in wages, I think it will be allowed that a 
candid and clear relation of these facts, with which Mr. Gower 
was so well acquainted, would have been more edifying to the 
meeting, and more creditable to himself, than the awful history 
of the application of fourteen loads of manure to the worn-out 
soil. The company would then have perceived that the cul- 
tivation of flax opens a door for the profitable employment of 
British capital, — for the advancement of the agriculture and 
home commerce of the United Kingdom, and for the removal 
of those grievances to which the labouring classes have so long 
been subjected. 

With respect to the Rev. D. Gwilt's remarks on my con- 
troversial letters, I have onl}^ to observe, that I attempted not 



GOLD OF PLEA.SURE. 



229 



to expose the substitution of the Gold of Pleasure for flax, till 
called upon by many influential parties who were desirous of 
ascertaining whether the glowing accounts of the new flax- 
seed" might be implicitly relied upon. Some, indeed, pre- 
vious to their application to me, hastened to purchase the seed 
of a plant that " ere long, was to take that place in the agri- 
cultural world, to which by its high merits it was so justly en- 
titled ;" and that, "when the price of corn was very low and 
cheerless, would never fail to produce gold with pleasure and 
abundance ;" a j)lant, they were further told, that " was pro- 
videntially sent to assist the farmer in a lucky moment." 

My first letter on ' The Gold of Pleasure versus Linseed ' 
appeared in the Farmers' Journal of the 26th Dec. 1843, in 
which I briefly recounted my experience as a grower of the 
Camelina sativa, and my conviction of its utter worthlessness 
in comparison to the inestimable flax-plant. I also subjoined 
the following passage from Sir James Smith's English Flora, 
Vol. iii., page 164 : — The ridiculous pompous English name 
seems a satire on the articles of which it is composed, as yield- 
ing nothing but disappointment." To the Editor I observed, 
and now repeat, that " It was far from my object unnecessarily 
to expose individuals to ridicule, because intermixed with artful 
and designing men were many who, from want of experience 
of those things which they advocate, unintentionally lead the 
anxious inquirer into the adoption of fruitless schemes. To 
this number, your correspondent, Mr. Gwilt, appears to belong ; 
for in his letter of the 14th inst. he observes, " a little more 
experience, I confidently predict, will prove the Gold of Plea- 
sure to be superior to flax, in the opinion of the practical agricul- 
turist." So far, therefore, from bringing any accusation against 
Mr. Gwilt, I exonerated him from all intentional participation 
in the fraud that was being practised of palming upon the pub- 
lic, as superior to flax, a noxious weed, the stalks of which were 
as destitute of fibre as the straw of wheat or of peas. I say 
fraud, because the original promoters, according to their own 
account of 40 to 50 bushels of seed per acre, and to the charge 
of four shillings per pound, aimed at the exorbitant profit of 
560Z. per acre. It is true the price was afterwards reduced to 
eighteen pence per pound — the fibrous properties of the plant 



230 



PROGRESS OF FLAX CULTIVATION. 



diso^vned, and the cultivation recommended mainly for the 
sake of the oil ; but, knowing that the expiring lamp of agri- 
culture required a restorative more enduring than the Gold of 
Pleasure, I continued to enforce the cultivation of flax as the 
surer source from which the British farmer might draw em- 
ployment for his labourers, food for his cattle, and manure for 
his land. 

In consequence, some hundreds of acres have been sown in 
various parts of the kingdom : and the experiments have 
proved that even the most ordinary soils produced linseed in 
abundance. It appears that, in the present year, a still greater 
breadth of land has been appropriated to this important plant. 
The seed formed into compound with grain or pulse, or incor- 
porated with hay, straw, or grass, has been found superior to 
any other food for fattening cattle. It is now extensively used, 
and said to be the cause of the present low price of foreign 
oil-cake. Many eminent graziers have relinquished the old, 
in favour of the new system of fattening cattle upon native 
produce, which, with the additional advantages of box -feeding 
and summer-grazing, is being rapidly adopted ; advantages 
that include economy of food and straw, expeditious and profit- 
able grazing, and a supply of manure more cheap and effica- 
cious than can be obtained through any other source. Inex- 
perience relative to the management of the fibre has been the 
chief hindrance to a more extensive growth of flax. This 
difficulty, however, is fast being removed ; for Belgian and 
Irish instructors have been introduced, and some of our men 
are already becoming expert in the steeping, scutching, and 
handling processes. Under a multitude of disadvantages, 
many acres of flax have been prepared ; principally by Mr. 
Demann at North Walsham, who, we ma}^ reasonably suppose, 
would relinquish the business, were it unconnected with profit. 
JThe coarse description of flax appears likely to supersede hemp 
for the manufacture of many articles ; particularly of fishing- 
nets. Experiments w^ere made, last year, upon a limited scale ; 
these are now much enlarged, and off'er a prospect to fisher- 
men of purchasing their twine and cordage at one-fourth less 
than the present price. The providing, therefore, of coarse flax 
as a substitute for foreign hemp, and of linseed as a substitute 



BELGIAN METHODS ADOPTED IN NORFOLK. 



231 



for foreign oil-cake, ought to be as much the care of the farmer 
as the providing of the nation with corn. Seeing, then, that 
the immense sums annually sent out of the country for the 
purchase of hemp and cake, tend to enrich the foreign, at the 
expense of the British farmer, and to employ the foreign, 
instead of the English labourer ; and seeing that flax does not 
lessen but increase the produce of corn, — no argument of weight 
can be brought against its cultivation. But I ought to ob- 
serve that the soil and climate of Great Britain are more con- 
genial to the growth of fine than of coarse flax ; for, a crop of 
the latter can scarcely be produced without a large proportion 
of the former, which, when selected, is worth more per stone, 
and is prepared for the finest purposes. 

The Belgians are particularly careful and expert in sorting 
.flax. Their plan is being adopted in Norfolk ; and some of the 
flax thus secured has been spun into yarn by women and children, 
and manufactured into linen, stockings, and gloves at Norwich, 
North Walsham, Lowestoff*, and other places. But it appears, 
from communications with which I have lately been favoured, 
that discoveries have been made, by which Flax grown in 
Somersetshire, of a dark, foxy, and bad colour, that cost 35/. 
per ton delivered at Leeds, was so improved as to be rendered 
in colour and fineness nearly equal to the celebrated Courtrai 
flax." My correspondent kindly forwarded a specimen, and 
informed me, at the same time, that, From various experi- 
ments made in English, Irish, French, and the Baltic flax, he 
would soon convince me that if we could only grow flax in this 
country, it would be prepared in a manner that will make yarn 
equal to that obtained from foreign flax." In due time, the 
process referred to will, I doubt not, be made public. I merely 
allude to it, on the present occasion, as corroborative of ar- 
guments and experience in favour of the double crop. All my 
calculations will be found, in the main, correct : and it is with 
satisfaction that I can refer the reader to my pamphlets and 
letters published during the past four years. I trust I have 
now shown that flax, under experienced management, must be 
highly remunerative — that the grower, in sacrificing the seed, 
would lose the chief benefit of the crop — and that the contrary 
opinions upon this subject are futile. I trust, also, I have 



232 



MESSRS. GIBES ON THE GOLD OF PLEASURE. 



shown that the Gold of Pleasure, in comparison of flax, is 
worthless. But, lest I should be thought to lean too much to 
my own opinion, I subjoin the published letter of Messrs. 
Gibbs, the eminent seedsmen in London : — 

To the Editor of the Farmers' Journal. 

Sir, 

In your valuable paper of the 1st inst. we had the plea 
sure of reading Mr. Warnes's letter on the Myagium sativum, 
or Gold of Pleasure ; and having grown it largely for a trial 
some years ago, can confidently corroborate what he has stated. 
Not content with our own trial only, we presented some seed 
to the Rev. Mr. Gwilt, about eight years ago, and had fancied 
until lately that his opinion of its merits agreed with our own. 
A gentleman called upon and offered us the agency of his seed, 
and we then told him the fair result of our own experiments. 
We might add that the field we grew it on was a sand, at our 
place in Bedfordshire. We had a good return in straw and 
seed. The former was used as litter for pigs, and the latter, 
at least the greatest portion, was rotted for manure. 

Your most obedient Servants, 

Thomas Gibbs and Co., Seedsmen. 

Corner of Half -Moon Street, Piccadilly. 
Jan. I3th, 1844. 

I had intended to offer, or rather to renew, a few observations 
on the indirect advantages arising from the cultivation of flax ; 
but I have already trespassed too much upon your columns. 
I will, however, briefly advert to the depressed state of the 
labour-market, the real cause of failure in all other markets, 
and the origin of those nocturnal calamities so frequently 
'referred to in both Houses of Parliament. Amongst the vari- 
ous schemes that have been tried, and propositions made for 
the renovation of this market, the national adoption of flax cul- 
ture alone offers the prospect of success ; because, involved in it 
is the retention of nine or ten millions a year now expended in the 
foreign market, for the purchase of the fibre, seed, oil, and cake. 



STATISTICS OF THE FLAX TRADE. 



233 



In the preparation of these articles, the cost for labour cannot be 
less than one moiety, or perhaps two-thirds of the whole amount. 
An overwhelming consideration ! ! ! And when it is remembered, 
also, that the circulation of these millions at home in the culture 
of the plant and preparation of the fibre would find employ- 
ment for the redundant population of this country, and render 
the payment of rates nominal, the subject demands the most 
serious investigation. Should it be inquired upon what I 
found my calculations, I reply, upon 750,000 acres of flax that 
are annually imported for the use of our spinning-mills, and 
upon the amount of wages at the rate only of six pounds per 
acre. Under the supposition that the number of acres may be 
doubted, I refer to the 56,000 barrels of foreign linseed, con- 
taining seven bushels each, sold in Ireland this year, and calcu- 
lating the number of acres sown with this, and with native seed, 
at two bushels per acre, it will be found that a breadth of land 
exceeding 200,000 acres has been appropriated to flax. Last 
year 112,000 acres were given in the county of Ulster alone. 
Now, in the most favourable seasons 200,000 acres would not 
K produce half the supply required for the Irish mills. We may 
B therefore easily perceive that 750,000 acres of flax fall much 
beneath the quantity required by the English, Irish, and Scotch 
spinners. In Norfolk, last year, between four and five hun- 
dred acres of flax were grown ; affording employment to many, 
particularly to the more inefficient and juvenile population, 
who would, otherwise, have remained in destitution and idle- 
ness. The beneficial effects arising from the various flax 
operations in progress at Trimingham and other places are 
daily seen, effects that undoubtedly tend to promote the moral 
and social interests of the parties employed : and when it is con- 
sidered that three or four thousand pounds must be circulated 
in the shape of wages before the crops referred to can be 
brought to market, it is evident that were the culture propor- 
tionably extended to every part of the kingdom, similar results 
would follow, and the universal benefits conferred surpass cal- 
culation. I therefore venture to repeat that the subject 
demands the most serious investigation, and in order to facili- 
tate the inquiry I confidently direct public attention to the 
operations of the East Suffolk Flax Association, because the 



234 



THE author's controversy 



crops in that part of the country, being under the management 
of an active and intelligent Belgian, a more valuable descrip- 
tion of flax will be brought to market than any yet produced 
in this country, and a stimulus, I am persuaded, will be given 
to that extended cultivation of the inestimable flax plant, 
which I have so long advocated as the only means of meeting 
the wants of an unemployed population. 

I am. Sir, 

John Warnes, Jun. 
Trimingham, Norfolk, July Srd, 1844. 



No. XIV. 

Sir, 

It will be remembered by the readers of this series 
that I have ever invited inquir3^ and promised answers to any 
reasonable objections against my plans for the advancement of 
agriculture, and for the employment of the population. 

Amongst my earliest and most persevering opponents was 
the Manchester Guardian, an organ of the Anti-Corn-Law 
League. Through this quarter my movements have been 
watched, garbled accounts of my proceedings published, and 
the cause which I advocate misrepresented ; a cause that, 
nevertheless, is surely, though slowly, advancing ; and, when 
properly understood and supported, will inevitably render 
nugatory the ungenerous opposition of the League. Daily 
experience justifies this opinion ; and I desire to inform the 
w^orking classes of Manchester, and of every other manufactur- 
ing town, as I have already informed the operatives of Nor- 
mch^ that my exertions are directed to the obtaining for them 
not only an abundant supply of cheap bread, but of cheap 
meat also. 

The League would have them believe that I aim at a high 
price for wheat, and at lessening the means of subsistence ; as 
will be seen by the foUomng article that appeared in the Man- 
chester Guardian of the 9th instant ; an article in itself only 



WITH THE MANCHESTER GUARDIAN. 



235 



important as it alFords me the opportunity of clearly explain- 
ing the real nature and extent of my undertaking. 

^^Flax a Puzzler!" 
The duty oa foreign flax is one penny per cwt. A cwt. of 
good flax is worth about 435., which is the average price of the 
quarter of wheat in Lincolnshire for the last week. Wheat 
enjoys the protection of 2O5. a quarter at this moment, which 
is *240 times more than the ad valorem duty on flax ; and the 
question may be fairly asked of the farmer, ' Do you find this 
protection reach you in the shape of extra profit upon your 
wheat as compared to your flax?' This inquiry is answered 
by our old acquaintance, Mr. Warnes, of Norfolk, who, we 
see, has been paying an agitating visit into Sussex, to stimu- 
. late the farmers to grow flax instead of wheat ; and Sir Charles 
Burrell, under whose auspices he appeared at the Arundel 
and Bramtree Agricultural Meeting, is urgent in recommend- 
ing his tenants to enter upon the cultivation of this unpro- 
tected article. The wheat-growing farmers in Sussex, as Mr. 
Ellman informs us, are in a distressed plight : let us sec if we 
can draw an argument or two for their instruction from the 
remedy prescribed for the cure of the ills by Mr. Warnes and 
Sir Charles Burrell. The protectionists (as they facetiously 
call themselves) tell the farmers that the unprofitable price of 
wheat is caused by the importations from abroad. Now, the 
whole of the foreign wheat and wheaten flour entered for home 
consumption this year amounts to about 750,000 quarters, or 
less than a tenth part of the whole consumption. During the 
same time 800,000 cwts. of foreign flax have been imported, or 
more than a third part of the whole consumption. Again, we 
are told that the English farmer cannot compete with the serf- 
labour in Russia. Yet it is a notorious fact, that a great por- 
tion of the flax is imported from lliissia. Then Sir Robert 
Peel tells us, that the English farmer has heavy burdens, 
such as poor-rates and highway rates, to bear ; to w^hich Lord 
John Russell has added county rates; but are not all these 
borne by the flax-grower, as well as by the cultivator of wheat? 
The National Debt of the country, we are told, prevents the 
English farmer from competing with foreigners ; but does the 



236 



FLAX- GROWING IN SUSSEX. 



tax-collector pass by the door of the flax -grower? The Duke 
of Richmond assures us that the Corn Law is for the protec- 
tion of the labourers ; does the peasant who ploughs, sows, and 
harrows in the wheat-field earn higher wages than his neigh- 
bour who works for Mr. Warnes in rearing flax ? 

" Your answer, my Lord Duke ! 

" The League." 

The inquirer was doubtless aware that the Duke of Rich- 
mond would not undertake to answer his questions; and it is 
evident that they were put by one who understood neither the 
real bearing of the subject, nor how adverse the discussion 
would prove to a free trade in corn. To me, the task of re- 
plying to these questions more properJy belongs. But the 
writer has himself answered the first by asserting that I advised 
the farmers of Sussex to grow flax instead of wheat; than 
w^hich nothing can be farther from the truth. Nor can he 
point out an instance in which I ever advocated the substitu- 
tion of flax for wheat. It is a fact worthy of observation that 
the best flax is produced after wheat, and that the finest crops of 
wheat will follow flax. So that upon soils such as I inspected 
in Sussex, I had no doubt but that, under judicious manage- 
ment, two crops of wheat and one of flax might be grown in 
three years. With this impression I advised the agriculturists 
of Sussex to grow flax upon small portions of those lands that 
would otherwise lie fallow, as a far more profitable preparation 
for wheat. 

The experiments of Sir Charles Burrell proved that the soil 
of his part of the country was congenial to the growth of the 
plant ; and that cattle, fattened in summer upon the seed, 
amply repaid, without regard to the value of the fibre ; facts 
in themselves too convincing to require any very "urgent" 
-recommendation to follow the Hon. Baronet's example. 

With respect to the extraordinary comparison between a 
quarter of wheat and a cwt. of flax, I must refer to 
the eminent spinners of Leeds to decide, whether flax of a 
fine quality, that alone could with any propriety be compared 
to good wheat, can be purchased at less than about double 



DEMAND FOR FLAX. 



237 



the sum of 435. per cvvt. At all events, I never sold any, even 
for the coarsest purposes, for so little money as 43^. per cwt. 

As a protectionist myself, I assert that the unprofitable price 
of wheat, and the profitable price of flax to the British grower, 
are, at the present time, both occasioned by importation. This 
apparent anomaly may be easily explained. 

It will be seen that the arguments of the above article (if 
they may be called such) resolve themselves into the two fol- 
lowing questions : — 

1st. How can the English grower afford to sell flax for the 
same price at which the foreigner imports it free of duty, at less 
cost for labour, and unburdened by a national debt^ poor, high- 
way, and county rates ? 

2nd. Why cannot the English grower afford to sell wheat 
for the same price at which the foreigner imports it free of 
duty? 

I answer, that the quantity of flax grown in this country is 
so much beneath the demand, that the foreign farmer or specu- 
lator, knowing our necessities, is able to charge so high a price 
that the British grower can readily accept the terms, although 
burdened with all those disadvantages from which the foreigner 
is exempt. 

Formerly, the superiority preponderated in favour of British 
flax ; but, during the war, Government removed the restrictive 
duties. The foreigner then quickly inundated us with flax, 
obtained the ascendancy, exercised ever after an arbitrary con- 
trol over the flax-market, and compelled our manufacturers to 
pay for the raw material, not "about 43^. only," but about 
1405. per cwt.; or, instead of 43/. per ton, 140/.: while the 
Belgian farmers, in particular, realized from 30/. to 50/. per 
acre for what they significantly term their '^golden crop." A 
serious warning of what may be expected when the duty on 
foreign wheat shall be a penny per quarter ! ! 

It will now appear evident to the most common understand- 
ing, that, should we become as dependent upon foreign nations 
for bread as we now are for flax, hinglish wheat must inevitably 
share the fate of English flax. Land would be thrown out of 
cultivation ; the foreigner obtain the command of price ; and 



238 



THE author's controversy 



the few growers of wheat, like the few growers of flax, would 
alone reap a profit. 

It will be perceived that my reply to the first question 
embodies that of the second. Short indeed is the explanation 
required to show the impossibility of our contending against 
the farmers of foreign countries, even under the present pro- 
tective duties ; for, as surely as they now rule the flax-market, 
so will they ultimately the wheat-market also. 

Sixty years ago the Belgians were an insignificant people. 
Now, through their flax dealings with us, they have become 
rich and powerful. Imitating their example, our continental 
neighbours are rapidl}^ improving their agriculture. They 
employ agents to traverse our best cultivated districts for 
the purpose of acquiring information, and of purchasing our 
machines, cattle, &c. ; and, unless we meet the approaching 
danger by securing profit through increased production, the 
tenant farmer will discover too late, that land, though divested 
of all the burdens to which the Manchester Guardian refers, 
could not avert his ruin. 

I now wish to observe, that, when speaking of " cheap bread," 
I mean not the price of wheat per quarter, but the acreable 
profit to the grower ; and that by " cheap meat " I mean, not 
the price per pound of beef or mutton, but the profit obtained 
through the increased number of fat cattle sent to market. I 
cannot better enforce this part of my subject than by subjoining 
an extract from the seventh number of this series, which the 
League, though they claim me for an "old acquaintance," had 
not the courage to circulate amongst their deluded followers : — 

" An apprehension has been expressed, that my object in in- 
troducing the cultivation of flax was to supersede that of corn, 
to raise the price of provisions, and lessen the means of subsis- 
tence; hence the loudly expressed alarm, 'We cannot eat flax.' 
It certainly might appear to the superficial reasoner that the 
appropriation of land to the growth of flax would necessarily 
diminish the supply of wheat. But a careful investigation of 
the subject will soon disperse this fear. It mil be discovered 
that the best flax is grown upon wheat stubble ; that, upon 
strong soils in particular, flax is an excellent crop to precede 



WITH THE ANTI-CORN- LAW LEAGUE. 



239 



wheat, — that as flax will flourish on newly broken-up soils, it will 
evidently be the means of bringing into regular cultivation large 
tracts of barren land ; that it will require less than two acres 
to every hundred now in cultivation, to supply the present 
demand for flax, independent of foreign aid, from which infi- 
nitely more tons of linseed would be obtained to fatten cattle 
than were ever imported of oil-cake in one year; that through- 
out my pamphlets, previous letters, and present series, pub- 
lished during the past four years, I advocate constant icork at 
adequate wages; and not only cheap bread, but also cheap meat 
for the people. Showing, from the result of successful experi- 
ments, that, through the cultivation of flax, the fattening of 
cattle upon native produce, box-feeding, and summer-grazing, 
three bullocks and three sheep may be fattened where only 
one of each was kept before ; — and that it did not require a 
very profound calculation to discover that a triple quantity 
of manure thus obtained would produce a corresponding increase 
in the productions of the earth, the price of which is immaterial 
to the farmer, provided he is remunerated, as is oftener the 
case with a plentiful crop and a low price than with a scanty 
one and a high price. I rejoice that measures are being 
adopted for a vigorous extension of the above system through 
every part of the kingdom. Already much progress has been 
made ; and I look forward with renewed confidence to no very 
distant date, when the manufacturer shall not have cause to 
complain that the high price of the common necessaries of life 
prevents his successful competition with foreign markets. I 
cannot avoid expressing my surprise that those who profess so 
much sympathy for the poor, and who depict so truly the 
horrors consequent on non-employment, should attempt to 
thwart measures that would at once obtain the desired relief ; — 
should offer their vague and empty theories in opposition to 
solid and permanent benefits; — rejecting the good within their 
immediate reach, in order to grapple with phantoms which 
never fail to elude their grasp ; holding out to starving mor- 
tals the blessed prospect that with 'six shillings a week ' a 
man is to maintain himself and family, and fare sumptuously 
upon provisions drawn from foreign resources, to the encourage- 
ment of foreign farmers and to the employment of foreign 



240 THE AUTHOR SUPPORTED BY THE FLAX-SPINNERS. 

labourers. To such monstrous propositions mine are diame- 
trically opposed. They have been often recorded, and centre 
in the desire to advance the rate of wages, to maintain the 
value of British property, and to preserve that proud position 
in the scale of nations which we have so long enjoyed ; recog- 
nising to the fullest extent that portion of British property 
which the poor man alone possesses — viz., his labour." 

In fine, Mr. Editor, two primary objects which the pro- 
moters of the cultivation of flax have in view% are, to find 
employment for the people by the preparation of the fibre, and 
food for cattle through the use of the seed. The direct profit 
upon a few acres of flax, abstractedly considered, is unimport- 
ant. But the indirect advantages arising from an employed 
population are incalculable. 

If the circulation of a few extra millions in the shape of 
wages can be considered a benefit, then does the flax crop hold 
forth the glorious prospect of securing a greater amount of 
labour than any other production of the earth ; securing, 
because, when once fairly introduced, it must become perma- 
nent; and not only would agriculture experience a stimulus, 
but commerce also ; for we should become real instead of nomi- 
nal exporters of linen ; and the home consumption of provisions 
and of every description of manufactured goods would be pro- 
portionally increased. I say nominal exporters, because we 
are now obliged first to import the raw material, before we 
export it in the form of linen. 

Undoubtedly the spinning and weaving of flax are branches 
of business highly beneficial ; but were it grown and prepared 
at home our national advantages would be much more than 
doubled. 

That the proprietors of our great spinning-mills desire to 
promote the home cultivation, is evident ; for the Messrs. 
Marshall and Co., of Leeds, were amongst my earliest instiga- 
tors to perseverance. And, as a further confirmation, I need 
only refer to the circumstance of the Messrs. MulhoUand, of 
Belfast, having withdrawn no less a sum than 40,000/. a year 
from the purchase of foreign in favour of Irish flax. 

Of one fact we may rest assured, viz., that the Spinners of 



CONDITION OF THE LABOURER. 



241 



Great Britain are anxious to circulate those millions at home 
which they now send abroad ; and, when it is considered that 
the major part of those millions would be paid in wages to the 
weaker and juvenile population, who can but foresee the bene- 
ficial effects upon the habits and morals of the people ? ! ! 
Thousa^nds would be preserved from early crime, — parish rates 
present a decrease in proportion to the money circulated — 
property be rendered secure, — and pauperism, the disgrace of 
our land, be displaced by liberty and independence. Then 
who would not urge the experiment upon agriculturists ? and 
who but the League would charge landowners with a desire to 
increase the distresses of the people ? ! ! 

The readers of agricultural reports must be struck with the 
general expression of sympathy for the labourer, and with the 
impossibility of obtaining a universal and permanent improve- 
ment of his condition. Experiments are suggested, but, with 
the exception of allotments, all appear impracticable. Land 
can indeed be appropriated to the poor ; but from my own 
observation I fear that the system, as far as the regular farm 
labourer is concerned, will disappoint its charitable promoters. 
Strictly speaking, the husbandman has but very few leisure 
hours. When his daily labour is ■performed, the renovating 
effect of rest is required to prepare him for the continuation of 
his duties to his employer. This the allotment sj^stem does 
not recogniise. Were its advocates to calculate the number of 
hours that a poor man would require properly to cultivate a 
rood of land, I am persuaded that they would be less ardent in 
their expectation of conferring a material benefit upon him. 

No compensation can be offered for constant work at ade- 
quate wages. But an extended cultivation of flax would pro- 
vide an abundance of work, and wages would follow as a natu- 
ral consequence. 

At the close of the last session of Parliament Lord John 
Russell gave notice of his intention, at the commencement of 
the following session, to propose measures for securing to the 
labourer A fair day's wages for a fair day's work." Without 
doubt his lordship has bestowed much attention upon this im- 
portant subject. But, so long as the labour-market remains 
overstocked, I greatly apprehend that his laudable exertions 

R 



242 



THE AUTHOR CONTRASTS THE 



will be unavailing. Should the Hon. Member for London b 
induced, by the perusal of this letter, to institute further 
inquiries into those plans which I advocate for providing em- 
ployment through the cultivation of flax, the fattening of cattle 
upon native produce, &c. &c., he will discover that they are 
eminently calculated to aid his humane designs ; that under 
the improved management, flax, by the preservation of the 
seed, is become a double crop — that the seed itself amply repays 
—and that whatever the fibre produces above the cost for 
labour is gain. 

I remain, &c., 

John Warnes^ Jun. 

Trimingham, Norfolk, Oct. 24, 1844. 

P.S. — I shall have the pleasure of forwarding, for insertion 
in your next week's paper. No. XV. of this series, as a reply 
to several applications from various parts of the kingdom 
affected by the drought, for information respecting the most 
economical method of keeping cattle through the forthcoming 
winter. 



No. XV. 

Sir, 

In off'ering to the public the 15th number of my series, 
I cannot avoid expressing some apprehension that compara- 
tively few of the thousands who may read it will be induced to 
follow the advice therein contained ; because many of my cor- 
respondents and visitors assure me that no sooner do they in- 
timate an intention of adopting my plans, than they become 
objects of ridicule in their respective neighbourhoods. Such in- 
deed was my own fate, when specimens of the cattle-compound 
were first exhibited to the North Walsham Farmers' Club. 
Supported, however, by profit, the most powerful of all allies, 
I obtained the victory ; and now thousands under the same 
banner proclaim to the agricultural world that native produce 
is preferable to foreign. Until this fundamental principle is 
fully recognised by a systematic rejection of foreign, in favour 



VALUE OF THE HOME AND FOREIGN MARKETS. 243 

of native productions, agriculture and home-commerce can 
never flourish. The prevailing distress is attributed to those 
legislative enactments which have rendered hopeless the 
farmer's attempt to realize a fair profit upon his capital em- 
ployed. Although the justice of this opinion must be ac- 
knowledged ; yet with the present protective duties^ and the 
united determination of the agricultural body to render the 
soil subservient to their wants, utter ruin may be averted. 
The finger of an all-bountiful Providence points to that soil as 
congenial to the growth of all the necessaries and many of the 
luxuries of life. Our fruitful fields and splendid factories 
evince the superiority of our tillage, our arts, and our sciences. 
Yet, under the specious pretext of cheap food, we find that the 
manufacturing interests are raging after low-priced foreign 
corn ; and the agricultural, after low-priced wares of every 
description ; each party being regardless of the misery around 
them, and, at the same time, blind to their own welfare. For 
instance, let foreign flour be ofl'ered at only Id. per stone less 
than that made from English wheat, and our own produce is 
driven from the market. Or let the vender of foreign manu- 
factures but off'er them at a trifle less than those made at 
home, and the preference is immediately given to the former. 
Thus the two great bodies of the community, the agricultural 
and commercial, flock to the cheapest market, falsely so called : 
no reciprocity of interests, nor regard to the claims of an un- 
employed population, being recognised by either ; and thus the 
labourer who works in the field, and the operative in the city, 
are sacrificed. 

However great the tide of our exported manufactures 
may appear, the streams of home-commerce are, in fact, 
infinitely greater. These, flowing through the kingdom in 
every direction, would soon swell into rivers, provided the 
working classes received wages adequate to their services. 
Through them all native productions are raised ; they also 
are the source of our gains, and comprise the main body of con- 
sumers. In proportion as the working classes are paid does 
money flow from the country to the town, and from the town to 
the country, to the incalculable benefit of both. If agriculture 
and home-commerce be the main pillars of national prosperity, 

R 2 



244 



IMPORTATION OF OIL-CAKE AND MANURE 



how mistaken must be the polic}^ that aims at reducing the 
value of British property to a level with that of foreign states, 
and the rate of wages to that of the serf-labour of Russia ! 
Seldom was there a period when the farmer flourished, but the 
tradesman and the labourer participated in his success; and 
seldom were the times adverse to agriculture, but that trade 
and labour were involved in the depression. 

Enumerated in the catalogue of expenses upon land are 
several millions a year for foreign oil-cake^ foreign manures, 
and poor s-rates ; all of which, I contend, may be obhterated 
by appropriating to the growth of flax not more than two acrres 
of land out of every hundred in cultivation. The greatest 
caviller must see that so small a proportion could not prove 
a heavy burden, while the good that would accrue to 
multitudes ought to silence every objection. It is ob- 
vious that the cost for labour in making the cake, and in 
preparing the manure alluded to, is defrayed by English 
farmers, who are thus placed in the peculiar position of main- 
taining two populations ; one at home, the other abroad — the 
former appearing in the catalogue " under the head of " poor's- 
rates." Now when it is remembered that 35,000 tons of linseed 
would be produced more than ever was imported of oil-cake 
in one year, from the small proportions of land in question 
— that more herds of cattle could be reared, and fattened by 
forming the seed so grown into compound — and that a corre- 
sponding increase of manure would be thus obtained, — surely 
I shall be excused for observing, that no farmer ought to com- 
plain of the corn-bill and the tariff, who, neglecting the re- 
sources of his own, in favour of foreign lands, becomes a free- 
trade importer of corn and meat in the shape of cake and 
manure ; for corn raised through the aid of foreign manure 
ought certainly to be regarded as the produce of foreign 
countries, as much as that which enters our ports through the 
payment of a regular duty. And when the inferiority of 
foreign oil-cake is taken into account on the one hand, and the 
uncertain effects of artificial manures on the other, I trust the 
time is not far distant when the agriculturists of this country 
will look back with astonishment upon the millions they have 
expended in the vain endeavour to acquire wealth through 



THE FLAX-TRADE IN BELGIUM. 



245 



such means. Again, let it be remembered, that three or four 
crops are commonly grown in succession from a single dressing 
of farm-yard manure, while only one can be obtained from an 
expensive application of chemical fertilizers. Also, that 
through the contents of the farm-yard, a never-failing crop is 
produced upon all soils, in most seasons, and under any circum- 
stances ; whereas, the good effects, if there be any, of all arti- 
ficial manures, depend upon soil, upon seasons, and upon cir- 
cumstances. How united, therefore, and determined ought the 
agriculturists of Great Britain to be, in adopting systems that 
will render them independent of foreigners, who are ever prone 
to offer ungrateful returns for the money lavished upon them, 
as the following extract from the public prints but too truly 
confirms : — 

"The Belgian Government has just made a serious increase 
on the duties on British silk and cotton manufactures, and on 
machinery imported ; and at a meeting of German merchants, 
on the 7th ult., at Leipsic, a resolution in favour of spinning 
thread by inachinery was passed, which object, it is recom- 
mended, should be supported by a more careful and extensive 
cultivation of flax, an import duty on English thread, and a 
bounty on the exportation of linen." 

In my last letter I observed, that the Belgians had become 
" rich and powerful through their dealings with us but I 
might have added, upon their own authority, that, in con- 
sequence of those dealings, many villages have swelled into 
towns, and cottages into mansions, for their flax-factors. I 
did not then anticipate so speedy an opportunity of exempli- 
fying the truth of that remark, nor of showing how little 
we have to hope from foreign reciprocity. Any lengthened 
remarks on the above article are unnecessary, for it must be 
obvious to every inquiring mind, that the relaxation of our 
restrictive duties has not been followed by the anticipated 
results. I will, however, briefly observe, that the merchants 
of Germany are extensively engaged in furnishing this country 
with flax at a nominal duty ; that they obtain great prices 
for the article, and take nothing in exchange but British 



246 



FLAX MORE PROFITABLE THAN GRAIN CROPS. 



gold. This flax, spun into thready they would eject from 
their markets, by the imposition of " a serious increase of 
duty/' and, in order to consolidate their interests, an indem- 
nity is proposed for the losses occasioned by a competition 
with our spinners and linen manufacturers. Doubtless, their 
objects will ultimately be obtained; therefore, the land- 
owners, merchants, manufacturers, and agriculturists of Eng- 
land ought to unite in promoting an extensive and systematic 
cultivation of flax upon the most improved principles, and 
thus render themselves for ever independent of German extor- 
tion. The establishment of spinning-mills and flax-factories 
on the Continent must effect a complete revolution in this 
branch of our trade ; for, instead of being supplied with the 
raw material, flax would be imported in the shape of linen, our 
manufacturers be thrown out of employment, and thousands 
be thus added to the already crowded ranks of pauperism. 
That immediate danger is to be apprehended, I do not venture 
to predict ; but it certainly appears reasonable that a move- 
ment fraught with such important consequences should be met 
by counteracting measures. 

Five years of practical inquiry into the cultivation of flax, 
added to the experience of many growers in Norfolk, Suffolk, 
and other counties, fully warrant me in asserting that the 
seed alone has generally exceeded the average value of grain 
crops. In several instances from twenty to twenty-eight 
bushels per acre have been grown ; and when I refer to Mr. 
Negus, of Cripplesham, in Norfolk, who obtained thirty-two 
bushels from one acre, sufficient evidence is, I think, adduced 
to prove that, under judicious management, proportionate 
crops may be grown in every part of the kingdom. Those 
parties who recently applied to me for information respecting 
the most economical method of keeping stock, will now per- 
ceive that had the advice to grow flax, which I have so con- 
stantly promulgated, been followed, the necessity of purchasing 
foreign linseed would have been avoided ; their parishes, like 
Trimingham, been unincumbered with a surplus population ; 
and themselves receiving profitable returns for the employ- 
ment occasioned through the preparation of the fibre. To 
afford the required information in clear and comprehensible 



NECESSARY APPARATUS FOR LINSEED COMPOUND. 247 

terms is the part that 1 have engaged to perform. It will be 
the business of the inquirer to put it into practice ; and then 
only will he be brought to believe that results so great can 
flow from expedients so simple. Had my recommendations 
emanated from analytical rather than from practical research, 
the compound been offered at an enormous profit, and its pro- 
perties blazoned by some eminent City chemist, thousands 
would have flocked to the shrine of Agricultural nostrums, 
thousands of pounds been offered as a willing sacrifice, and ten 
thousand voices engaged in lauding the Seminum Linorum 
Compositiones. The intrinsic merit of the linseed compounds, 
like every thing else of real advantage to agriculture, centres 
in simplicity. Those w^ho veil their discoveries in mystery for 
the sake of gain, or mar their utility by patent rights, too 
often injure the cause they profess to support, and seldom reap 
for themselves more than disappointed vanity. 

The only apparatus required for the system I recommend 
is a linseed-crusher, an iron copper, a hand-cup, a stirrer, one 
or two half-hogsheads, two or three pails, and a wooden ram- 
mer. These will cost about 12Z. ; but if proper cylinders were 
attached to mills, as they now are in the neighbourhood of 
North Walsham, the machine could be dispensed with, and the 
outlay reduced to about 21. Large coppers are found incon- 
venient for stirring when compounds are made with the meal 
of peas, beans, &c. The sizes most in use contain from thirty 
to forty gallons. Upon large farms it will be 
desirable to have two ; one smaller than the 
other. The stirrer is an iron-ribbed spoon 
fastened to a shaft of wood four feet long, and 
somewhat less than the handle of a pick. The 
rammer is three feet long, about five inches 
square at the bottom, and two and a half at the 
top, through which a pin fourteen inches long is 
passed for the convenience of being used with 
both hands ; mine is nothing more than one end 
of a broken axle of a cart, with a stick thrust through the linch- 
pin hole. This happened to be at hand when the experiments 
were first made upon my premises five years ago, and has been 
in use ever since. 




248 COST OF LINSEIii?. 

T commenced winter-grazing this year upon white turnips^ 
grown after flax, the tops of which, being extremely luxuriant, 
are cut with pea-straw into chaff", compounded with linseed 
iXieal, and given to my bullocks according to the following 
plan: — Upon every six pails of boiling water, one of finely 
crushed linseed meal is sprinkled by the hand of one person, 
while another rapidly stirs it round. In five minutes, the 
mucilage being formed, a half-hogshead is placed close to the 
copper, and a bushel of the cut turnip-tops and straw put in. 
Two or three hand-cupsful of the mucilage are then poured 
upon it, and stirred in with a common muck -fork. Another 
bushel of the turnip-tops, chaff", &c., is next added, and two or 
three cups of the jelly, as before ; all of which is then expe- 
ditiously stirred and worked together with the fork and ram- 
mer. It is afterwards pressed down as firmly as the nature 
of the mixture will allow with the latter instrument, which 
completes the first layer. Another bushel of the pea-straw, 
chaff", &c. is thrown into the tub, the mucilage poured upon it 
as before, and so on till the copper is emptied. 
The contents of the tub are lastly smoothed 
over with a trowel, covered down, and in two 
or three hours the straw, having absorbed the 
mucilage, will also, with the turnip-tops, have 
become partially cooked. The compound is 
then usually given to the cattle, but sometimes 
is allowed to remain till cold. The bullocks, 
however, prefer it warm ; but whether hot or 
cold, they devour it with avidity. 

The cost for linseed, according to the above rate of feeding, 
is 2s. Sd. per week ; which seed, though grown upon my own 
farm, I place to the account of artificial food ; and I calcu- 
late that in order to obtain the same eff"ect through foreign 
oil-cake, the expense per week would be at least one moiety 
more. 

It will now be seen that the real fattening properties of the 
above compound centre in the linseed ; and that in order to 
produce a greater or less eff"ect it is only necessary to regulate 
the quantity of that important ingredient. Also, that wheat, . 
oat, and barley straw, or bean stalks, may be used either with 




MR. barker's Flax crop. 



249 



or witliout turnip-tops, according to circumstances; nothing 
more being required than fibrous matter to act as a vehicle for 
conveying linseed to the stomach of the animal, and for re- 
conveying it to the mouth for rumination. Did time and 
space permit, I could easily show how food thus prepared acts 
so much better than if given in a crude state. Experience, 
however, has long since proved that linseed boiled without 
being crushed, or given in any way except by intimate incor- 
poration with other ingredients, loses so much of its efficacy as 
to become an expensive rather than an economical method of 
feeding cattle. Therefore, in order to render straw of service 
to fat, or yet more so, to lean stock, the quantity of linseed 
meal must be regulated. And, where cost is the object of in- 
quiry, I would observe, that one pound, or five farthings' worth, 
of linseed meal per day, given according to my directions, 
will be of great advantage to the animals ; but if doubled in 
quantity, the improvement of their condition and efficacy of 
the manure will repay the extra expense. As a substitute for 
hay this diet will be found equally useful for cart-horses and 
colts. Thus far I have afforded the best information I possess 
for meeting the exigencies consequent on the loss of hay. But 
where this important crop has been preserved, it will, of course, 
be desirable to mix some with the straw when making the 
compound. 

Unfortunately for the extension of my plans, few really prac- 
tical agriculturists are disposed to promulgate their own 
individual success. On this account I refrain from publishing 
many interesting and profitable cases. I subjoin, however, an 
extract from the letter of a gentleman in Essex, with whose 
enlarged and philanthropic views I have long been acquainted, 
and who will rejoice if the simple relation of his own ex- 
perience should in any way be rendered serviceable to his 
country :— - 

" My flax-crop was pronounced by' the Belgian agent, at 
Ipswich, to be as fine as any he had ever seen. It was nearly 
four feet high, very thick in the ground, and perfectly free 
from weeds. The expenses for harvesting my crop were under 
one pound per acre. I have laid ten acres in a hovel, and 



250 



USE OF COUCH-GRASS. 



stacked three. From the want of water I was not enabled to 
steep any ; and shall not now make the attempt till the spring. 
My experiments with compound last year were satisfactory. I 
am now feeding 14 horses and colts with straw and hay com- 
pound. My plan is^ to eight bushels of cut hay and eight 
bushels of wheat-chaff are added 28 lbs. of crushed linseed 
boiled in eighteen pails of water. I give the horses this quan- 
tity at night in the yard. In addition, they have one pint of 
pea-meal per day, and one hundredweight of straw per week. 
The boiling linseed is poured upon the chaff, and both are 
thoroughly mixed together. I intend giving my young stock 
IJ lb. of linseed meal with a bushel of chaff daily ; my cows the 
same. I made eight boxes last year ; this year I made twelve 
more. I shall erect seven more in the spring, which will 
enable me to keep all my cattle in boxes, except horses. 
Everybody appears pleased with the box-feeding system ; and 
I hope will ultimately be the same with the flax cause. The 
country appears to be awakened to the necessity of doing- 
something for our now too numerous poor. If you can give me 
any further information for making straw compound, I shall be 
obliged. I have told you my plan. 

''Yours truly, 

"James Barker. 
" Stour Hall, Ramsey, near Harwich, g| 
October IWi, 1844." M 

With reference to the exigencies of the present season, I 
lately examined the roots, or knotted branches, of the too pro- 
lific couch or guetch grass, and am of opinion that if properly 
cleansed from mould, it would be found of much service. This 
description of grass is often extricated in large quantities from 
the soil and burned. But, if it were carefully washed, cattle 
would eat it ^vith avidity, particularly if compounded with 
* linseed. The experiment is to be tried shortly upon my pre- 
mises, when the grass in question will be taken out of the land 
with a fork, washed, cut into chaff, and incorporated with 
linseed and straw. Perhaps others may be induced to rival 
my attempt, and to favour the public also with the result of 
their experience. Nothing ought to be considered too insig- 



FOOD FOR PIGS AND SHEEP. 



251 



nificant for inquiry, because the investigation of apparent trifles 
has often led to important discoveries. 

A bushel of good linseed at 55. &d., weighing 48 lbs., if pro- 
perly formed into compound with three or four times the weight 
of bean, pea, or ordinary wheat meal, and a little more than 
double the weight of the whole in water, will cost about 2Z. lbs. 
per ton. The superiority of this economical food to foreign 
oil-cake is explained by reverting to the fact, that one at the 
best is merely the refuse of linseed, while the other is made of 
the seed itself. The reason why bullocks will fatten upon 
cooked more than upon raw food, I must leave the chemical 
farmer to explain ; but it is certain that linseed meal, given in 
a crude state, will scarcely produce half the effect ; nor yet if 
the ingredients were mixed up with cold water, or put into 
the copper before the water boiled. 

My pigs are fattened upon boiled peas, which I find a more 
economical plan than any other. Sheep also thrive well upon 
them ; and I have no doubt but that cooked beans are equally 
adapted to pigs and sheep. 

Coppers will be found useful appendages to farm premises 
for more purposes than I have described, and superior to any 
steam apparatus that I have yet seen ; a little management 
only being required, which will soon be gained by experience. 

I must now conclude with the expression of a hope that this 
letter will prove an acceptable reply to my numerous corre- 
spondents, that farmers will take advantage of those inex- 
haustible resources which Providence has placed at their dis- 
posal, and that landlords will co-operate with their tenants, 
in rendering them subservient to the wants of the long train of 
dependants, who now call upon them for work in vain. 

Should Farmers' Clubs be desirous of bringing these topics 
more prominently before their respective counties and neigh- 
bourhoods, they will ever find me ready to afford them all the 
assistance in my power. 

I am, &c., 

John Warnes, Jun. 

P.S. — In your Journal last week, and also in that of the pre- 
ceding, I observed two letters, one from Mr. W. P. Taunton, 



252 



THE author's reply TO 



of Ashley, the other from Mr. William Taylor, F.L.S., of 
Regent Street, London ; to both of which I shall offer a reply, 
through the 16th number of my series, as soon as my numerous 
engagements will allow. In the mean time, I hope that the 
subscribers to your paper who take an interest in the subject 
of those letters will preserve them, in order that they may be 
carefully compared with my reply. 

'^-^ 

No. XVI. 

Sir, 

According to my promise I will now proceed to answer 
the letters of Mr. Taylor, F.L.S., and of Mr. Taunton, of 
Ashley, which appeared in your Journal of the 28th of October 
last, and in that of the 4th of the present month. 

The latter is a direct attack upon my veracity as an indi- 
vidual, the former upon my character in conjunction with the 
supporters of the flax cause ; for, observes Mr. Taylor, " The 
bubble scheme of growing linseed or flax in England is unfor- 
tunately exploded, and its former warm supporters would now 
blush to examine the representations with which they have 
attempted to deceive the public. 

I will, however, first endeavour to remove those erroneous 
impressions which Mr. Taunton has not only imbibed himself, 
but also desires to implant upon the minds of others ; or, why 
not have applied to me through the medium of a private 
inquiry in the first instance, instead of allowing his doubts to 
remain dormant fifteen months before he publicly demanded 
answers to his ungenerous and uncourteous interrogations ? T 
say ungenerous, because they are accompanied by his own 
preconceived opinions unsupported by reason or experience ! 
Uncourteous, because that charity which " hopeth and believeth 
all things," Mr. Taunton withholds from one whose exer- 
tions have long been directed to the advancement of his in- 
terests, in common with the rest of the community — with 
what success 1 could easily give you many testimonials. But 
on Saturday, the 9th of the present month, in the Corn- 



THE LETTER OF MR. TAUNTON. 



253 



Exchange, at Norwich, more open assurances were expressed 
than I ever heard before, of the successful adoption of my 
plans, and of active preparations for the present winter, by the 
erection of boxes, boiling-houses, &c. 

It is somewhat remarkable that the letter No. 3, now treated 
with so much contempt, is one upon which I bestowed more 
pains and expense than upon all the others put together. 
Your readers will remember that it was headed by a repre- 
sentation of the ground-plan and elevation of my cattle-boxes, 
&c.,in order that the subjoined explanation might be rendered 
more comprehensible. It is also remarkable that this letter 
appeared in more Journals than any others of the series ; 
that not less than 40,000 copies were circulated ; and that no 
objection ever reached me except the one now under consi- 
deration. 

My letters not being addressed to the superficial, but to the 
intelligent and thoughtful reader, I should consider the ebul- 
lition now before me unworthy of notice, except for the oppor- 
tunity it affords of recalling No. 3 to the recollection of the 
public. 

In order to render my replies perfectly comprehensible to 
the reader, every quotation from Mr. Taunton's letter is given 
in italics, as follows : — 

" Convinced of the utility of feeding animals in boxes, if such can 
be erected at the cost which you are said to have mentioned at a pub- 
lic meeting (30^. per box)'"' 

Whether the boxes cost thirty pounds or thirty shillings, 
their utility is the same, except that the lower-priced have the 
advantage of being warmer in winter and cooler in summer. 
At the public meeting referred to, and at others also, convened 
by advertisement, pattern boxes, erected according to the plan 
described, and at the cost of thirty shillings each, were exhi- 
bited. 

" The four boxes of which, in your frontispiece, you give an ele- 
vation, are clearly not a representation of any four boxes delineated 



254 THE author's reply to 



on the ground-plan, hut another wholly distinct building ; hut whe- 
ther intended for the same, or for others, those four hoxes would, 
in my neighbourhood , cost forty pounds instead of six.'' 

The four boxes remain precisely in the same state as when 
sketched for publication, one side resting upon a wall pre- 
viously built for another purpose. In any neighbourhood, or 
under any circumstances, the assertion that four such hoxes 
would cost forty pounds, is not only absurd, but directly at 
variance with truth. 



" The four boxes, of which you give the elevation, instead of being 
covered with a roof composed of trimmings of hedges and ditches, 
are evidently covered with a substantial coat of thatch, which, in this 
country, where wheat-straw costs ol. and ol. 5s. per ton, would alone 
absoi'b nearly or quite all the fund of 305. box, which you are 
said to have allotted for the construction of the whole building."" 

Again Mr. Taunton is at variance with truth; for the roofs 
in question are composed entirely of trimmings from hedges 
and ditches, thatched with about as much straw as is generally 
used for wheat-stacks ; the value of which, with the trimmings, 
I considered ought not to be placed to the account of the boxes ; 
because such insignificant materials must have been consumed 
upon the farm in some other way much less profitable. The 
high price of straw around Stockbridge is probably occasioned 
by the low state of agriculture, Had my plans been adopted 
on the first appearance of No. 3, straw, in Hampshire, would, 
by this time, have been far more plentiful and less expensive. 
A more pitiable description of the mal- appropriation of land I 
never read, than one contained in a letter from an early cor- 
respondent in that country; and I question whether Ashley 
itself is not in a similar state. 

" You assume that on every farm there is a wall of the barn, or 
other wall, of which advantage may be taken, to build the box in 
contact with it. But, in every economically built and disposed 
farmstead, the wall of the barn is already occupied by stables, calf' 
houses, tool-houses, root-sheds, cart-houses, piggeries, and the like.'' 



THE LETTER OF MR. TAUNTON. 



255 



I merely observed, that where an advantage could be taken 
of an unoccupied wall, the cost of the boxes would not exceed 
30s. each ; an observation which I now unequivocally repeat. 
I will pass over Mr. Taunton's description of an economically 
built and disposed farmstead," with his anxiety to know how 
many poles are required, and what length and thickness," to 
part one bullock from another, and proceed to touch upon his 
reiterated complaints. 

'\It also appears, to my humble apprehension, that much skill 
and ingenious mechanism, and considerable expense, must be applied 
to construct cribs that shall move up and down between the posts. 
How are they to be suspended ? And what force is to raise them to, 
and stay them at, any particular elevation at which it may be 
desired to place theml and what advantage is gained by their 
moving up and down, above a crib which should simply stand on the 
ground f 

No supernatural agency is exercised to regulate the action 
of the cribs between the posts ; nor has much skill, ingenious 
mechanism, or expense been employed. The great moving- 
power centres in simplicity, which the carpenter would define 
by the term rabit. This is made by nailing a spline perpendi- 
cularly in the centre of the outside ends of the crib, and two 
others upon each post to receive them, by which means the 
crib is moved up and down at pleasure ; the suspending power 
being nothing more than two pins thrust through holes in the 
sides of the splines upon the posts for the crib to rest upon. 
The necessity for rendering the cribs movable, arises from the 
increase of manure in the boxes ; a circumstance that Mr. 
Taunton ought not to have overlooked, and that requires no 
further explanation. 

" The cribs ive use in our farm-yards cannot be built, at least, for 
less than fifteen or nineteen shillings, which, again, would draw an- 
other stiff instalment out of the thirty shillings'' 

The wood for the cribs, if made of foreign deals, would cost 
only 35. ^d. each. 

" You do not mention of what wood, or of what size, the poles 



256 



THE author's reply TO 



ought to he, which are to make your sills and ties. I should gladly 
learn, alsOy the length which you allot to each beast, from the crib 
backwards. 

The description of wood being perfectly immaterial, and 
consisting simply of poles, such as the thinning of plantations, 
I left this department of building to the discretion of the car- 
penter. The length of the crib backwards is explained by the 
circumstance of the boxes being 8g feet square. 

" Have you any provision for carrying off and preserving the 
liquid manure, or is that left to soak into a porous soil, as it 
will?'' 

The excellency of my system consists in retaining all the soil 
in the box, which, being absorbed by the litter, is, after two or 
three months, removed. 

*' If there be either iron, brick, or stone channels, and pavement 
to intercept and conduct it to a reservoir, the poor thirty shillings 
icill not supply these.'" 

My boxes are, in fact, small reservoirs or tanks of them- 
selves, from which no escape is allowed. 

The double gates which are to shut in the cattle, must also 
be attended with considerable cost."" 

On the contrary, they are nothing more than common lift- 
gates, in the shape of doors, according to the appearance of 
the elevation ; and at the cost of about eighteen shillings per 
dozen. 

Is loater given in the same cribs or troughs as the compound 

Upon the Rev. Blair Warren's premises at Horkesley Hall, 
^Essex, the cribs have each a partition for water, supplied, I 
believe, by a pipe running parallel with the boxes ; but to my 
cattle water is given in a pail. 

A more detailed and minute estimate of the materials, expense, 
and dimensions of the several parts would, doubtless, confer a great 
kindness on many farmers.'"' 



THE LETTER OF MR. TAUNTON. 



251 



The real cost of the boxes to the tenant centres in the 
workman's wages. With the intrinsic value of the materials 
he has but little to do, because landlords would readily furnish 
such wood as I describe. But to the unassisted farmer, posts, 
ties, and sills would cost about 9d. or 1^. each; and poles for 
partitions, gates, and roofs, about 2d. or 3d. a-piece. With 
respect to dimensions, I find 85 feet square, independent of the 
space for the crib and passage, sufficient for bullocks of 40 or 
50 stone weight (of 14 lbs. to the stone). But for cattle upon 
a larger scale, a few additional inches might be added ; and 
then one box would, if required, contain two small bullocks, a 
plan that I have seen adopted with advantage. The following 
extract from No. 3, recopied from the Gardener s ChronicJe 
of the 9th instant, will, I hope, convince your readers of the 
pains that I have taken to render this subject easy and com- 
prehensible, and at the same time preclude all further requi- 
sitions upon my time and patience, until the experiment has 
heen fairly tried and found unsuccessful : — 

" The description of these buildings is diflficult, because, 
however clear and explicit, it must conve}^ ideas of magnitude 
and intricacy, while neither exists. To make ten boxes, a space 
will be required of 90 feet long and 12^ feet wide, from the 
side most convenient to the passage. Next let the mould, to 
the depth of one foot, be excavated from the other part, and 
thrown on the side intended for the front, and spread to the 
thickness of a foot deep ; this will give two feet from the bot- 
tom of the boxes to the surface. A wall of brickwork, four 
inches wide and two feet high, is next to be built round the 
inside of the part excavated, and intersected at distances of 
8g feet. At each angle the brickwork should be about 12 
inches square, which will both support the posts and afford 
strength and durability. Upon the wall a sill of woodis to be 
placed, for which purpose large poles, split or square, are 
adapted. The foundation being now complete, posts six feet 
long, and the necessary sills and ties, may be placed upon it. 
Across the ties the most ordinary poles may be laid to support 
a roof composed of the trimmings from hedges and ditches, 
and completed with a thatch of straw or rushes. Two gates 

s 



258 



THE author's controversy 



must be added to each box, one of which is to move on hinges, 
and the other to be secured to the top and bottom sills of the 
building, so as to be taken down at pleasure. Presuming that 
advantage has been taken of a barn or other walls on farm 
premises, the external part is finished. The internal has 
merely to be parted off with a few poles between each bullock, 
and the passage separated by the cribs, which are to move up 
and down between the interior posts which are placed upon the 
angles of each box, and support the roof on the passage side." 

Now, Mr. Editor, I will proceed to animadvert upon Mr. 
Taylor's comparison between flax and the Gold of Pleasure, 
contained in your Journal of the 28th of October. In so doing, 
I must exercise a more than ordinary caution ; because an 
action was brought against me, in consequence of a former 
attempt to convince the " British Farmer" that no flax could 
be obtained from the stalks of the Camelina sativa, nor food, 
adapted to the fattening of cattle, from the seed. 

As, however, my opinion remains unaltered, I will subjoin a 
copy of my defence, which, I trust, will answer the double pur- 
pose of expressing my sentiments of the attempt to under- 
rate the value of the flax crop, and of protecting myself 
against a second prosecution : a defence that was exacted 
by Mr. Taylor's solicitor, and which I wrote under the 
supposition of its being published in vindication of his client's 
character. 

Trimingham^ February I3^A, 1844. 

" Sir, 

I much regret your not having applied to me for an 
explanation relative to my comments on the Gold of Pleasure, 
in the first instance, rather than through a solicitor. Most 
readily would I have given it ; and at the same time have 
exonerated you from any wilful attempt to impose upon the 
public. 

" The subject was first introduced to me by Mr. Haynes, to 
whom reference is made, in what I presume to be your circular. 



WITH MR. TAYLOR. 



259 



which also appeared in the Farmers Journal. From Mr. Haynes 
I received a polite acknowledgment of his error respecting the 
use of the seed to fatten cattle^ and the stalks to obtain flax. 
Struck, however, with the extraordinary fecundity of the plant, 
and supposing that it might be profitably cultivated for other 
purposes, I determined to give it a fair trial. Accordingly 
I had two plots of ground, separated merely by the drill, 
sowed with the seed in question; some of which was taken 
from amongst my own flax, and some from that of my 
neighbour. 

" When arrived at maturity, one sort proved to be the 
dwarf Camelina, but was certainly not superior to the other in 
produce. I inclose a sample for your inspection. Some time 
since, I, in company with an eminent botanist, searched the 
Public Library and the booksellers' shops at Norwich for in- 
formation. I have now before me one of Mr. Haynes's printed 
circulars; also all the correspondence that appeared in the 
newspapers, with private letters on the subject. Some of the 
seed has been substituted for linseed, and placed before two 
bullocks on my premises, which they totally reject. I have 
examined the stalks, in which I cannot discover a particle of 
flax ; nor was there any in those that I saw at the Royal Agri- 
cultural Society's Rooms, Hanover Square, althou^ they were 
represented as containing it. 

" You acknowledge that ' the Gold of Pleasure is an annual 
plant that grows spontaneously over all Europe, and is culti- 
vated in some countries for forage and manure ;' also, through 
Messrs. Hind and Son, that it can be purchased at 865. per 
quarter, which, at 56 lbs. per bushel, is less than a penny per 
pound ; but I can obtain it at 325. per quarter. 

^' Under all these circumstances, I cannot withdraw my state- 
ments as to the price of the seed known by the name of ' Gold 
of Pleasure,' its applicability to fatten cattle as a substitute 
for linseed, or its superiority to the flax-plant. But I cordially 
agree with you as to the productiveness of the seed, and the oil 
for lamps, &c. The refuse, I consider, might be used with 
advantage, instead of rape cake, for manure, but not as a sub- 
stitute for linseed-cake. A moment's reflection will, I think, 
convince you of this fact ; for rape-cake is never given to cattle. 

s 2 



260 



THE author's controversy 



I beg to refer you to Mr. Skirving, of Walton, who sowed last 
year a variety of the Camelina sativa ; and to Mr. Gibbs, 
Piccadilly. 

" In conclusion, allow me to observe that, when last in 
London, I made an essay to see you, for the purpose of ex- 
plaining the mistake which I conceived you had made. 

I now disclaim having included you in that plundering 
fraternity to whom I alluded. Indeed, my strictures referred 
to such men only as would sell a single seed for a shilling, and 
make ten tons of guano out of one, &c., &c. Nor, in alluding 
to Regent Street and the Polytechnic, had I any other motive 
beyond pointing out to the public the liberty taken with my 
pamphlet, and the disappointment that would be experienced. 
My constant aim being to advance the interest of agriculture, 
regardless of all personal and pecuniary considerations, 1 trust 
you will acknowledge that I could not have been instigated by 
any feelings of animosity against yourself, and that the pro- 
ceedings you have instituted against me are, at all events, 
premature. 

I remain. Sir, your obedient servant, 

John Warnes, Jun. 

" To W. Taylor, Esq., F.L.Sr 

Mr. Taylor, in his letter now under consideration, observes, 
" I should scorn to disgrace the columns of a journal so useful 
to agriculturists, by false statements or theoretical ones. On 
the 16th of March last I planted five acres of the Gold of 
Pleasure and two acres of flax side by side; the soil is the 
same, a rich light loam, in high cultivation : with the Gold of 
Pleasure the seed was drilled in, from nine to twelve inches 
apart, in rows." He further observes, with respect to the flax 
planted by the side of the Gold of Pleasure, that " it was sown 
at the same time, on the same kind of soil, and manured and 
treated in the same manner." 

Mr. Taylor has omitted to state the quantity of seed used ; 
but, from his printed directions for the Gold of Pleasure now 
before me, I presume ten pounds per acre ; and, as the flax was 
treated in the same manner," of course ten pounds only of 



WITH MR. TAYLOR. 



261 



linseed per acre were sown — a drop in the ocean compared to 
the quantity required ! ! But whether 10 lbs. or 160, the proper 
proportion for the soil and high condition described, were sown, 
is immaterial ; since the nine and twelve inch drilled rows 
sufficiently account for the deficiency on the one hand, and the 
inferiority of the stalks on the other. That Mr. Taylor, a 
Fellow of the Linnean Society, an eminent chemist and a 
botanist, should have so little understood the nature and pro- 
perties of the inestimable flax-plant, is a striking illustration 
of the incompetency of chemists to regulate the operations of 
practical farmers. 

Again, Mr. Taylor observes, The land it was grown upon 
will take several years to bring it to its original state an 
assertion which, with the soil, manuring, hoeing, and treatment 
described, is at variance with the experience of flax-growers ; 
and ought, before hazarded, to have been tested by a suc- 
ceeding crop. 

In attempting to prove too much, Mr. Taylor defeated his 
own aim in the first instance ; while, in the second, he is equally 
unsuccessful j for, as his Gold of Pleasure was harvested in the 
last week in July, and the land sown with turnips, so was my 
flax, and the same field is now producing turnips. Mr. Taylor 
adds, " The Gold of Pleasure may be again sown after the first 
crop in July;" whereas another field of my own produced a 
second crop of flax, which was fed off* with horses and sheep, 
and is now with wheat. And here I think it right to observe 
that, three years ago, I sowed about four bushels of flax-seed 
in the latter end of August, upon two acres of land which had 
failed with turnips, and obtained an excellent crop of green 
feed, which was mowed, cut into chaff", and given to the horses 
in October and November following* — a striking instance of 
the rapid growth and multitudinous properties of this extra- 
ordinary plant ! ! 

Mr. Taylor concludes his letter by informing us that the 

* Mr. Eton, of Spixworth, near Norwich, had four acres of flax last year, 
1846, which, owing to the drought, was too short for manufacturing purposes. 
He therefore mowed the crop, stacked it like corn, and in the spring of this- 
year threshed the seed, and gave the stalks to his breeding ewes, with perfect 
satisfaction. 



262 



THE AUTHOR CONCLUBES THE CONTROVERSY. 



" bubble scheme of growing linseed or flax in England is 
unfortunately exploded, and that its former warm supporters 
would now blush to examine the misrepresentations with which 
they have attempted to deceive the public." The meaning 
of ''unfortunately,'' I do not comprehend; for the sooner all 
deceptive schemes are frustrated the better. Happily for the 
country, the cultivation of flax is supported by many noble- 
men and gentlemen, who, formed into societies, aim at re- 
lieving the distresses of the poor by providing them with 
employment. 

Again, Mr. Taylor errs in accusing the promoters of the flax 
cause of misrepresentations to deceive the public and 
displays a wanton hostility to the patriotic motives by which 
they are actuated — motives which would secure them from 
shame, even should a failure attend their labours. Those only 
have cause " to blush" who, in order to advance their private 
interests, vilify the disinterested exertions of others. 

But I will close this controversy with an invitation to Mr. 
Taylor, Mr. Taunton, and all who desire information '^'^on the 
cultivation of flax, the fattening of cattle upon native produce, 
box-feeding and summer grazing," to attend the second Annual 
Meeting of the National Flax and Agricultural Improvement 
Association at Ipswich, on Friday, the 6th of December next ; 
when boxes similar to those in question will be exhibited in a 
field near the town, with cattle fattened on the compound; 
also, many specimens of native flax, linen, hand-spun yarn, and 
linseed, in the Temperance Hall. Further arrangements 
will be made for enabling the Belgian instructor located in 
the neighbourhood to aff'ord oral and ocular information 
on the various methods of steeping, grassing, and scutching 
flax, &c. 

A conversational meeting will be held in the Society's 
Rooms, at the Red Lion Inn, Market Hill, on the evening 
previous to the exhibition, where I should be delighted to 
receive all my correspondents who could conveniently attend. 

I remain, &c., 

John Warnes, Jun. 

Trimingham, Norfolk, 

Nov. 22nd, 1844. 



PEA-STRAW AND FLAX-SEED. 



263 



P.S. — I yesterday inquired of a carpenter, whose main 
business consists in making farm-gates, &c., the value of such 
wood as I described for cattle-boxes. He replied, that he 
had been employed to make them, and would readily undertake 
to erect any number at 305. each. He also observed that 
rafters for sills, ties and posts, could be purchased, according to 
quality and length, at from Qd. to Sd. per foot, timber measure, 
that is to say, a post six feet long and six inches square would 
cost nine-pence or a shilling. 



No. xvn. 

Sir, 

The season for sowing flax and peas being at hand, the 
17th Number of my Series will, I doubt not, obtain a ready 
insertion in your Journal, as well as in every other professing 
to advocate the interests of agriculture. 

My former letters were unavoidably argumentative and 
controversial ; but as the soundness of my propositions is esta- 
blished beyond dispute, and opposition vanquished, I can add 
to the present address the charm of brevity. Of ultimate 
success I have ever felt confident. To the Report of the 
National Flax and Agricultural Improvement Association I 
refer \Aith unfeigned satisfaction, as a confirmation of all that I 
have advanced during the past five years ; and as the most im- 
portant document yet published upon the subject of flax. 

I now desire to draw attention to the sowing of flax and 
peas, because the straw of the latter incorporated with the seed 
of the former will render the farmer not only independent of 
foreign resources to fatten his cattle, but mainly, also, of the 
precarious and expensive turnip-crop. 

It will be remembered by those who are conversant with this 
Series, that my assertions were invariably supported by proof. 
I will now narrate the result of the system of grazing upon my 
premises described in No. XV. 

Purchased, on the 2rth of July last, seven eighteen-months 
old bullocks, at 6/. each, of Mr. Wright, farmer and cattle- 



264 



SEVEN BULLOCKS FATTENED BY THE AUTHOR. 



dealer, of Great Tudeiiham^ near East Dereham^ from which 
time till October they were fed on grass and lucern cut into 
chaff, w^ith a small allowance of linseed and grass^ or potato 
compound ; flies excluded from the boxes by canvas blinds. 
From October to the 14th of November the cattle were kept 
upon a compound of pea-straw, w^hite turnip-tops, and linseed, 
with as many turnips as they could eat besides ; afterwards, 
Swedes were substituted for white turnips ; and instead of the 
tops, a small quantity were sliced to form the compound. On 
the 30th of December the two smallest bullocks were sold to 
Mr. Doughty, butcher, North Walsham, for 24/. IO5. ; and on 
the 13th of January he purchased three more, at 13Z. 13^. each; 
leaving the two largest and least fat, which, in the course of 
three weeks, will be w^orth 29Z. It will be seen that the aver- 
age time was six months for every bullock, and the average 
sum above the original cost, 7L \0s.; or, in other words, 
realizing 52Z. 9^. in six months, for an outlay of 42/.; — a return 
for native produce such as may fearlessly challenge compa- 
rison ; and such as ought to stimulate the British farmer to 
the cultivation of flax, the fattening of cattle upon native pro- 
duce, box-feeding, and summer-grazing. 

The rate of expense for Unseed was ^s. 36?. per week for each 
bullock. With respect to turnips and straw no minute estimate 
can be formed ; but it will be acknowledged that if four acres 
of pea-straw w^ere consumed in so short a time, by cattle so few 
in number and so small in size, the quantity of turnips eaten 
must be very limited. 

It is to the grand return for farm produce that I desire to 
direct public attention, w^hether in the shape of meat, of corn, 
or of flax ; and not to trifling calculations, that tend to obscure 
rather than to elucidate truth. I repeat, of flax, for, although 
my bullocks were fattened upon the seed, the fibre is being 
sold at OS. and 55. Q>d. per stone, amounting to four or five 
pounds per acre, clear of unavoidable expenses, as well as those 
occasioned by inexperience. Nor must the rich manure be 
forgotten, the efficacy of w^hich surpasses any derived from 
other sources. 

It may be objected that the case described is a solitary 
instance of successful grazing, arising from peculiar circum- 



FLAX SOWN ON NEWLY BROKEN- UP LAND. 



265 



stances. I answer, quite the contrary; for it is only the 
continuation of a system long adopted at Trimingham, and 
which I have repeatedly laid before the public. One difference, 
however^ is observable — viz.^ that, in former accounts, I de- 
scribed the profits arising from the use of grain, while now I 
relate those derived from straw ; or in other words, I, this year, 
sold the peas, and gave the straw to the cattle. 

The stalks of beans are said, by chemists, to be equal to 
hay ; if so, they are superior to the straw of peas, and may be 
used instead. On some soils beans will flourish where neither 
peas nor turnips can rejjay; but I have never yet seen the 
land upon which either grew, that would not produce lin- 
seed. 

In this neighbourhood abundant crops are grown on the 
worst of soils; for instance, two acres of newly broken-up 
heath land were sown upon the estate of Robert Marsham, Esq., 
of Stratton Strawless, and produced about thirty-eight bushels 
of excellent seed, 75 stone 12 lbs. of good flax, 5 stone of 
ordinary, and 4 stone of tow, with a considerable quantity of 
refuse, fit for coarse sacks, ropes, &c. The steward, Mr. Bow- 
man, gave chief part of the linseed to cattle, and sold the 
remainder at 7s. 6d. per bushel. 

Recently, all the best flax has been disposed of at 5^. per 
stone, and re-sold to Mr. Fisk, twine-spinner, Siderstrand, 
near Cromer, at 5s. 6d., or at the rate of 44/. per ton ; valuing, 
therefore, the ordinary flax and tow at half-price^ and the seed 
only at 65. Sd. per bushel, the crop exceeds 16/. per acre. The 
full account of expenses I have not received, but estimating 
them at six or seven pounds per acre, a greater amount of 
profit, clear of rent, &c.was realized, than can now be obtained 
from wheat upon the finest land. 

As flax, therefore, will flourish upon any soils favourable to 
beans and peas, and as the seed of the former, incorporated 
with the stalks and straw of the latter, will sustain and fatten 
cattle independent of turnips and oil-cake, the policy of sowing 
such land with flax, beans, and peas, instead of allowing it to 
be fallow, must be evident. The straw of grain may possibly 
answer the same purpose. 

I am now using a proportion of barley-straw, with that of 



266 



LINSEED CONSUMED BY EACH BULLOCK. 



peas, according to the following plan : — To nine or ten pails of 
water a bushel of Swede turnips, sliced very small, is added; 
after having boiled a few minutes about two pecks of linseed 
meal are actively stirred in : the mucilage is formed in about 
five minutes. A hogshead is then placed by the copper, and 
one or two skeps of chaff thrown in. Three or four hand-cups 
full of jelly and turnips are next poured upon it, which being 
mixed together with a three-pronged fork, are firmly pressed 
down with a small rammer three feet long, and five inches 
square at the bottom, with a cross handle at the top. The first 
layer completed, a small quantity of the chafi", &c., is put into 
the tub as before, till the copper is emptied. The mass, being 
covered down a short time, is ready for use. 

It is impossible to say exactly what quantity of linseed a 
bullock requires, as much depends upon size, the other ingre- 
dients intended to form the compound, and the expedition with 
which the animal is intended to be fattened: observation and 
experience will be the best guides. At the present season of 
the year, when scarcely any thing but straw can be had for 
store-stock, and of that but a limited allowance, a pound of 
linseed- meal a-day mixed with two or three skeps of chaff as 
above, will materially advance their condition, promote their 
health, and increase the efficacy of their manure. Under every 
consideration, the cultivation of a limited quantity of flax must 
be attended with profit, without the possibility of loss. New 
editions of my pamphlets on these important subjects being re- 
quired, I intend to republish them, with this series in a col- 
lected form, when all particulars will be minutely described 
and illustrated with engravings. 

I am, &c., 

John Warnes. 

Trimingham, Norfolk, 
Jan. 29, 1845. 



EMPLOYMENT CAUSED BY FLAX-CULTURE. 



267 



No. XVIII. 

Sir, 

In addressing this letter to the public, through the 
medium of your Journal, I feel a degree of satisfaction that I 
am unable to express, because the fruit of my labours are 
every day becoming more and more apparent. A present 
reward ! heightened by the prospect of future and complete 
success! For why should not those benefits now enjoyed by the 
village of Trimingham, through the preparation of flax, be 
realized by every other parish in the kingdom? And why 
should not the whole agricultural community reap the same 
advantage from the use of linseed, that my numerous corre- 
spondents are now deriving? Let it suffice, that, notwithstand- 
ing the inclemency of the season, the poor of my parish are 
well employed, with the addition of ten flax-dressers from the 
adjacent villages ; and that no instance of failure has occurred 
from the substitution of native instead of foreign produce to 
fatten cattle, where the system I recommended has been strictly 
adhered to. 

That the cultivation of flax and the use of the seed are gra- 
dually and surely gaining ground, there can be no doubt ; but 
the distresses of the poor, and the exigencies of the farmer,, 
demand a more rapid promulgation. On these accounts, re- 
gardless of every private consideration, I desire to be confronted 
with a public meeting in the metropolis, in order that I may 
enforce by argument, and prove by ocular demonstration, that 
the difficulties under which the nation labours through the 
unemployed population, might be effectually removed. 

Evidently, the two main sources of employment arise from 
the necessity of food on the one hand, and of raiment on the 
other. It is equally clear, that infinitely greater numbers are 
required to provide the latter than to secure the former. 

Unhappily for the rural population, and for the country at 
large, attempts are only made to find employment for the able- 
bodied labourer, through the production of food, while the 
claims of that far more numerous class, comprised of weaker 
hands, are disregarded ; but were only half the zeal displayed 



268 



THE LABOUR-MARKET. 



to find employment for that class, through the production of 
clothing, the market for labour would speedily revive, agri- 
culture assume a different aspect, and the cry for employment 
cease. 

The various grades of labour are submitted to the ordeal 
of a public market, which can never be considered in a healthy 
state unless there is a ready demand for the weak as well as 
the strong; but it is impossible to create such a demand 
except by the introduction of new sources of employment, and 
it is impossible to select one more applicable to the case than 
the cultivation of flax ; because the entire management of the 
crop, from the pulling of the stalks to their preparation for 
market, is work peculiarly adapted to the weaker hands. Thus 
should we transfer to our own population those benefits that 
involve no less a circulation than two or three millions in the 
shape of wages, and this, too, amongst that portion of the work- 
ing classes whose services are not required to till the land. 

Some idea may be formed of the direct benefits that would be 
conferred by the distribution of so much money ; but no estimate 
can be formed of the indirect advantages to trade, to manufac- 
* tures, and to agriculture — because, as Mr. Burn observes, in 
his valuable letters on ' Population and Emigration ' — 

" The poor would buy more agricultural produce, thus oifer- 
ing a better market for the farmers. They would also pur- 
chase more clothes, thus equally benefiting the manufacturer. 
Being better fed, they could do more for their employers ; and 
being more constantly occupied, would have less inducement 
or leisure to commit crimes ; and, consequently, be more valu- 
able members of society. They, and all around them, would 
be happier comparatively, and more contented. The farmer, 
having a better and more constant market for his produce, 
could better afford to pay his rent. The manufacturer, hav- 
ing a more constant demand for his goods, could better afford 
to pay, and keep a larger number of hands constantly employed. 
The landlord would have less to deduct for poor-rates, and 
receive, in consequence, a larger income." * * * » jj^ 
our native land every experiment may be safely tried to im- 
prove it. Nature points out the course, and it is a violation of 



VALUE OF FLAX. 



269 



her laws to retard it." This able writer further observes, 
"Food is wealth. Population is wealth. Since the manna fell 
from Heaven in the Wilderness^ food has been the produce of 
man's labour. It invariably follows cultivation, and in suffi- 
cient abundance for the wants of men. Some parties then 
must be encouraged to cultivate the earth ; and surely it is 
obvious policy to pay home-cultivators rather than foreign." 

Mr. Burn's arguments in favour of providing food from our 
own resources, are enforced with a solidity of reasoning rarely 
to be met with. I refer to them because they are equally ap- 
plicable to the production of clothing through native rather 
than foreign cultivators. Men," he adds, " are not surely 
condemned to one species of labour that will not maintain a 
feverish existence, to the exclusion of another that ensures 
plenty. It is the business of the rich to find out new sources 
of employment fo3- men at all times willing, and now more than 
ever anxious, to provide food for themselves and families." 

In my former writings I have shown, from Parliamentary 
Returns, and from other documents, that five or six millions 
are annually sent out of this country for the purchase of flax, 
to the encouragement of foreign farmers, and to the employ- 
ment of foreign labourers. 

I have shown that flax is a highly prolific crop, and, under 
the new system of management, improves the soil; that it 
affords more varied and permanent occupation than any other 
production of the earth ; and that the most ordinary land in 
the kingdom is capable of producing it. 

I have shown that the appropriation of one acre to every 
hundred now in cultivation, to the growth of this important 
plant, would employ the redundant rural and manufacturing 
population of this country ; and produce in one year more than 
double the weight of seed to fatten cattle, that was ever im- 
ported of oil-cake in the same period, 

1 have also shown that the genius of the people is suited to 
the management of flax ; and the wealthy spinners of England, 
of Scotland, and of Ireland, are anxious to purchase our crops ; 
and, as a further confirmation, I refer to the first annual re- 



270 



PAUPERS TAUGHT TO DRESS FLAX. 



port of the National Flax and Agricultural Improvement 
Association. 

The appropriation of land to the growth of flax with the 
view of finding employment for the poor, must necessarily be 
increased in parishes where idle hands abound the most. In 
such, two, or possibly three acres in every hundred would be 
required, while others might be exempt altogether. Still it 
would be found that, on the average, were one acre to a hun- 
dred sown, the redundant population would not be sufficient to 
prepare the crops for market ; and the supply of flax and 
linseed would be inadequate to the increasing demands of the 
manufacturers and graziers of this country. 

A wide field, therefore, is open for the employment of British 
capital, and for the exercise of British skill ; which, the in- 
quirer will discover, must be attended with the certainty of 
gain, without the possibility of loss. For instance, St. Faith's, 
distant three miles from Norwich, has, for years, been burdened 
with a population for which no permanent employment could 
be found. Last year, two or three farmers of that parish grew 
small quantities of flax, upon which ten or twelve of the most 
active paupers are, at the present time^ being taught the art 
of hand-scutching, and will soon become expert. This year, 
all the farmers have agreed to grow flax proportionate to their 
occupations, in order that the poor may, in future, be offered 
employment, instead of the bread of idleness. 

For the same reasonable and benevolent object, Joseph Bul- 
len is now teaching the inmates of the Union Workhouse at 
Stradbroke, in Suflfolk, to dress flax. Thus, attempts are being 
made to prevent pauperism, and to turn the redundant poor 
to a profitable account. From these measures no loss can pos- 
sibly accrue ; for the labour of the pauper, and the cost of his 
maintenance, were lost before. All, therefore, that he pro- 
duces at market, is gain. 

Were it necessary to cultivate waste-lands for the employ- 
ment of the people, an additional argument might be raised 
in favour of flax ; because the plant will flourish and produce 
much valuable linseed upon ground newly broken up, as I 
showed in my last letter. But I now wish to direct attention 



HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE CROP. 



271 



to soils most ungenial to the growth of turnips, and which 
would be greatly improved by the cultivation of flax, both as 
respects the following crops of wheat, and the diff'usion of 
manure from cattle fattened upon the seed. 

In the course of my travels, I have seen many thousand 
acres lying fallow, and imperfectly tilled, mainly through a 
deficiency of manure. The farmers, being unable to grow 
turnips, could obtain but little in winter ; and for the want of 
box-feeding, still less in summer. But were the culture of flax 
judiciously introduced, with a proportionate quantity of peas 
or beans, upon the farms to which I allude, and the crops ap- 
propriated to rearing and fattening of cattle, manure would 
be abundant, and the farmer obtain an ample return in the 
shape of meat, of butter, and of wool. He would also be placed 
upon an equality with the best turnip districts in the kingdom, 
with the advantage of growing greater crops of corn ; because, 
if turnips can accomplish so much for sand, doubtless the seed 
of flax will do more for clay. 

The value of the stalks beyond that of litter depends upon 
management ; of which, the farmer being ignorant, it would 
be necessary at first to obtain instructors, when that part of the 
crop will be found not the least important. My present object 
is to show that the seed alone remunerates. Common sense, 
stimulated by the claims of an unemployed population, will 
soon devise the proper method of disposing of the fibre. An 
intelligent correspondent observes, " I am desirous to afford 
my tenants and neighbours every information which may tend 
to improve the system they now pursue, being convinced that 
it is only by an increase of home produce that farmers can 
hope to surmount the difficulties under which they are at 
present labouring." 

Similar opinions and sentiments are daily forwarded to me 
from every part of the kingdom. They are in perfect accord- 
ance with my own, but home produce can only be profitably 
increased from our own resources ; and to what expedient can 
we resort, except to the introduction of a crop that will provide 
food for our cattle, manure for our land, and employment for 
our people ? 

I was present at the dinner of the Agricultural Protective 



272 



AGRICULTURAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETIES, 



Association in London, and listened with attention to the can- 
did and eloquent, yet powerless, speeches, delivered upon that 
occasion — powerless, because they contained no proposition 
for ameliorating the condition of those classes that comprise 
the great mass of idle hands ; a mass, however, for which the 
League profess much sympathy, and assert that the manufac- 
turers could employ with a fi'ee trade in corn — an assertion 
which, however delusive, carries weight, because the poor, like 
an invalid at the last extremity, will submit to the nostrums of 
any quack rather than relinquish hope. 

Could Government be induced to retrace its steps with 
respect to the Canada Bill, the Corn Laws, and the Tariff, 
even then the population in agricultural districts would be re- 
dundant. For although field-labour might be increased, yet 
under our present system of farming it is impossible that the 
culture of wheat, of barley, and of turnips should provide 
employment for the great majority, comprised of weaker hands. 

But were flax added to the rotation of crops, the landlord 
and tenant could so regulate the demand for labour as not only 
to meet the requirements of the rural, but of the surplus 
manufacturing population also. Five years ago 1 advanced the 
same theory. I now venture to enforce it with a confidence 
resulting from experience. 

It will be necessary to form district societies, based upon the 
principles and regulated by the rules of the National Flax 
and Agricultural Improvement Association, by which means 
information would be disseminated, success ensured, and the 
defeat of Cobden, with his party, rendered certain. 

At the present time the value of flax and linseed is daily 
rising at market, affording remuneration to the grower, while 
corn and meat, on the contrary, can only be produced at a 
ruinous price to the farmer ; an argument sufficiently strong 
in favour of the cultivation of ffax and the fattenino- of cattle 
* upon the seed, independent of all other considerations, and 
which, I am sure, will induce many of my correspondents at 
least to try the following experiments : — 

Let four or six acres of land, intended for turnips, be equally 
divided, manured, and treated in every other respect alike ; 
one half to be sown with turnips ; the other vnth. linseed and 



PROPOSED RULES FOR A FLAX SOCIETY. 



273 



peas, or beans. The result will prove that more animal food 
and greater fattening properties will be obtained from the 
average of soils and of seasons than if the whole had been ap- 
propriated to turnips^ leaving the flax-stalks for purposes 
above described. The discerning landlord and intelligent 
tenant, in calculating the risk, will perceive the prospect of 
gain, without the possibility of loss. 

In conclusion, allow me to repeat my readiness to attend any 
public meeting in London, convened for a thorough investiga- 
tion of the subject, where agriculturists, experienced and inter- 
ested in the growth of flax, with parties desirous of purchasing 
the crops, could be assembled. At the same time model 
boxes and specimens of the cattle-compound shall be exhi- 
bited ; also native flax and linseed from almost every variety 
of soil, compared with foreign samples, in order to prove, 
incontestibly, that the soil and climate of this country are 
congenial to the plant, and that its culture must confer in- 
calculable benefits upon every class of the community. The 
expediency of forming district associations, for limited periods, 
could then be discussed, and regulations made, according to 
the subjoined extract from the National Circular: — 

1st. That the existence of the Society be limited to four 
years. That auxiliary branches be established throughout the 
kingdom. That instruction on the most improved mode of 
husbandry, the cultivation and preparation of flax, the new 
system of grazing with compound, summer-feeding in boxes, 
&c., &c., be speedily and eff'ectually disseminated, by the 
location of experienced labourers for a few months where 
needed, in exchange for others to be taught on farms from 
whence those labourers were sent, that while some were com- 
municating others might be receiving instruction ; the wages 
of these men to be paid by their employers, and the cost of 
their journeys by the Society. That an interchange of visits 
be promoted between intelligent agriculturists of different 
counties, and gentlemen of leisure and patriotism, whose 
services in attending public meetings, and in conferring with 
interested parties, would be of the utmost importance. That 
economy, expedition, zeal, and perseverance be the distinguish- 

T 



274 FREE TRADE VERSUS PROTECTION. 

ing features of the Society's proceeding, and that no expen- 
diture of time or funds upon yearly entertainments, or any- 
thing foreign to the direct object, be allowed." 

I am, &c., 

John Warnes, Jun. 

Trimingham, Norfolk, 
Feb. mh, 1845. 



No. XIX. 

Sir, 

The serious reduction of farm produce, and the alarm- 
ing prospects for the future, render it incumbent on all who are 
interested in the management of the soil, to unite in counter- 
acting the impending evil. *^'In union is strength." Com- 
prised in the agricultural community is a power, which during 
years of unparalleled difficulties the world was not able, either 
by force or treachery, to subdue ; but which, under the pre- 
sent emergency, is overawed by the machinations of a compa- 
rative handful of cotton-spinners. This power can no longer 
lie dormant. It must be roused from the sleep of apathy, into 
life and action, or it will soon be too late. Destruction, in the 
garb of Free Trade, is at our very doors. But, unlike their 
clamorous opponents, who vainly compass sea and land to find 
a remedy for our national distress, the landowners, agricul- 
turists, and friends of home commerce must hold fast the bar 
of protection, and be guided by the finger of an all-bountiful 
Creator, Avhich invariably points to our own soil whence the 
remedy can alone be derived — to a soil that abounds in other 
resources besides turnips, grass, and corn, of which the most 
important, at the present crisis, is the flax crop ; because, if 
cultivated to the extent required by our spinning- mills for the 
fibre, and by our agriculturists for the seed as a substitute for 
oil-cake, it would aflford employment to the redundant and 
rural cotton-manufacturing population of the whole kingdom, 
and at once put a stop to the cry for employment, and the rage 
for Free Trade. 



BREADTH OF LAND REQUIRED FOR FLAX. 



275 



I have shown, in my former writings, some astounding facts 
relative to the value of flax and linseed ; one of which is, that 
500,000 acres are required to supply the demand of this coun- 
try alone. Now, when we consider how inadequately the soil 
remunerates under our present system, and the consequent 
depression of trade, it must surely be acknowledged that the 
appropriation of such an immense breadth of land to the 
growth of this prolific plant would be attended with the most 
beneficial results throughout the kingdom. For instance, the 
average value of 500,000 acres of flax, independent of the seed, 
oil, and cake, exceeds six millions of money. 

This enormous sum is annually sent out of England, to pur- 
chase foreign flax of foreign farmers, to the encouragement of 
foreign agriculture. Suppose the corn crops sent to market 
were less than usual, by 500,000 acres, the price must neces- 
sarily rise, and as much, if not more money, would be obtained 
for the small as for the large supply, and consequently the 
whole amount of the 500,000 acres of flax would be returned a 
clear profit to the grower, while the linseed alone would not 
amount to less than two or three millions. The whole of this 
seed would, according to the new system of grazing, be con- 
sumed on the farms where grown, and the necessity of import- 
ing a single ton of oil-cake be obviated. Also, instead of im- 
porting corn and meat in the shape of cake, we should export 
500,000 acres of flax ; and thus, about nine millions would be 
added to the home circulation, and expended in the advance- 
ment of agriculture, the renovation of trade, and the employ- 
ment of the people. 

But the substitution of one acre in twenty-five of the turnip 
crop, and the appropriation of less than half the land that would 
otherwise lie fallow, to the growth of flax, would render the 
supplanting of corn unnecessary, and confer upon the nation 
those benefits which could not fail to realize the hopes of every 
true friend to humanity. 

The scheme undoubtedly appears chimerical to many, but it 
ought to be remembered that mankind is generally more hasty 
in condemning new theories than anxious to ascertain whether 
those theories are founded upon sound principles. Thus did 
the substitution of cattle-compound for foreign oil-cake undergo 

T 2 



276 



NORFOLK SOIL FAVOURABLE FOR FLAX. 



the ordeal of a vehement opposition ; but now, the opposers 
have become its most zealous advocates ; and I venture to 
predict that similar results will attend the cultivation of flax. 
In truth, many agriculturists, in various parts of the kingdom, 
who formerly expended hundreds in the purchase of foreign 
oil-cake, do not now spend as many pence. This simple fact 
speaks strongly in favour of home-grown and home-made cattle 
food ; but volumes would be required to describe the indirect 
advantages which must inevitably accrue to agriculture and 
to the nation, would every farmer reject entirely the use of 
foreign cake in favour of the produce of his own land. 

The whole process connected with the growth and prepara- 
tion of the flax crop to the farmer, is far more simple than 
writers in general would lead us to suppose. My own expe- 
rience, for the last five years, often causes me to suspect that 
the elaborate descriptions in books were intended rather to deter 
than to encourage an extended culture of this important plant 
in England. 

The wily Dutch were certainly the first to promulgate the 
notion that it was impossible to obtain both fibre and seed at 
the same time ; a notion w^hich, however absurd, regulated the 
practice of England, Scotland, and Ireland, till the year 1841 ; 
many asserting that the steeping of the stalks with the seed 
tended to improve the quality of flax, which is now found to be 
an erroneous opinion, because flax itself contains oleaginous 
matter that requires extraction instead of addition. 

Moreover, the necessary ploughing and harrowing were sup- 
posed to be monster operations, totally beyond the abilities of 
British farmers : but when our Belgian instructor landed in 
England, he was surprised at the garden-like appearance of 
our farms ; and, on his arrival in Norfolk, exclaimed, Your 
lands are already fit for sowing !" 

Singular as it may appear, a movement, in the above-named 
year, accidentally simultaneous, took place in the north of Ire- 
land, and at Trimingham, in Norfolk, to break through pre- 
judices, founded solely upon ignorance and idleness. Industry, 
aided by the dictates of common sense, prevailed. For it is 
recorded in the Report of the Flax Improvement Society of 
Ireland, that from sixty to eighty thousand pounds' worth of 



MANAGEMENT. 



277 



seed was saved last year, without injury to the fibre ; and it is 
calculated that, in the course of a year or two, no flax will be 
steeped with the bolls, thus adding to the wealth of that country 
no less than 300,000/. yearly, according to the present extent 
of culture : while in Norfolk no flax has been grown without 
an ample return of seed, as appears in the report of the National 
Flax and Agricultural Improvement Association. 

The entire management of flax, from the preparation of the 
land for sowing, through every stage, is, I repeat, work suit- 
able to the commonest capacities. No apprenticeship is re- 
quired ; for, by the assistance of one experienced youth of 18, 
very many can be taught at once all the mysteries of harvest- 
ing, grassing, and scutching the crop for market. Through 
this means more knowledge would be disseminated than could 
be obtained from a multitude of written descriptions. And 
although I shall endeavour, from time to time, to afford inform- 
ation with my pen, I strongly advise the formation of local 
societies to defray the expenses consequent upon instruction ; 
which once obtained, the fear of trouble, risk, and loss would 
merge in the happy possession of those benefits that were un- 
attainable through any other source. 

Except for the manufacture of cambric and fine lawn, flax 
is easy of culture. It will grow upon any soil, flourish in any 
climate, and ensure success to every grower who manures his 
land and tills it well. 

After the seed has been sown, no more care is required than 
is usually paid to other crops, till the time of harvest, when, 
instead of being mowed, it is pulled up by the roots, partially 
weathered, tied into sheaves, and stacked like wheat. This is a 
safe and common practice, though there are some variations, 
which I shall hereafter particularize. My present object is, 
first, to offer directions for — 

Preparing the Land, than which nothing can be more 
simple ; for, if the field destined for flax has been ploughed 
the full depth, previous to the frost, it will only be necessary 
to reduce the surface to a garden-like state, by harrowing, sca- 
rifying, and rolling ; it being scarcely possible to render the 
land too fine. 

In order to ensure a first-rate crop, it will be necessary. 



278 



SOWING. 



during the above process^ to sow six or eight bushels per acre 
of bone-dust, and about two cwt. of real guano, by which means 
they will be intimately mixed with the soil ; or, if bone-dust 
cannot be had, the guano might be increased to three or four 
cwt. per acre. But about eight loads of good farm-yard ma- 
nure, well decomposed and mixed with mould, is much to be 
preferred. Where land is in a previously rich state, less ma- 
nure will, of course, be required ; but if it has only been 
slightly ploughed, a repetition will be necessary, as well as of 
the scarifying, &c. Small pieces of grass and roots of weeds 
left by the harrows should be gathered up, and a light roll 
drawn over the land before 

Sowing the Seed, in order that it may fall upon an even 
surface. Linseed is generally sown by hand ; but this process 
is best performed by such machines as are used for grass seeds. 
Some prefer depositing the seed by a drill set at intervals of 
about seven inches : a practice I at first adopted, but now dis- 
continue in favour of the broad-cast system, because the stalks 
will grow to a greater length, and be more equal in size : nor 
is my land infested with any noxious weeds to render hoeing 
necessary. Where the seed is sown, by the hand, the machine, 
or the drill, it must not be deposited deep. Half, or one inch, 
in damp weather, and one and a half in dry, ought not to be 
exceeded. 

If seed and coarse flax are the aim, six pecks an acre will 
be sufficient ; but if fine flax and seed, eight, ten, or twelve 
pecks will be necessary. It will be found in general that the 
greatest quantity will produce the most valuable fibre, but the 
least seed. 

A sandy does not require so much seed as a heavy soil ; but 
the inexperienced will find the most profitable crop to be that 
grown from six to eight pecks. Observe, if the drill is used, 
^the creases should be filled up with a bush; but if the seed is 
sown broad-cast, fine light harrows must be used. An extra 
turn or two, therefore with the harrows, the roll, and the 
scarifier, beyond the requirements for barley, will be sufficient. 
It will also be found that, where the soil has been well pre- 
pared and cleaned, the cost for weeding flax will be very 
trifling ; because when the land is rich, the plants spring up 



FLAX CANNOT BE WOVEN BY MACHINERY. 



279 



with astonishing rapidity, and quickly overtop the small 
weeds. It is necessary, however, to remove the larger, but 
much injury is often done in the attempt to eradicate the 
smaller. 

The first week of March to the middle of April is the best 
time for sowing ; if deferred two or three weeks longer, the 
stalks will, in most cases, be short and of little value, though 
the produce of seed per acre may equal the early sown. 

The editor of the ' Farmer's Herald ' observes that — 

The recent establishment of societies in Ireland, as well 
as in several parts of England, for , promoting the growth of 
flax, leads most naturally to the consideration, how far the ma- 
nufacture of cotton may be replaced by that of linen. * * * * 
Flax may surely be as cheaply grown here as cotton may be 
imported: and if the manufacture of it is not more costly, 
why may not British skill and enterprise be exerted to supply 
the world with a fabric more beautiful, more durable, and 
therefore more desirable, than cotton ? The more a nation can 
produce of those articles which the world requires, the more 
wealthy that nation will by consequence become : now, could 
we grow cotton, as well as manufacture it, we should be richer 
by all those vast sums paid every year for the raw material."^ 

It is certain that flax can be grown in this country to any 
extent, and that it must ever be the interest of the owners and 
occupiers of the soil to supply the demand; thus enabling 
our manufacturers to compete with the cotton trade, and 
rendering them real, instead of nominal exporters of linen. 
Spinning -mills would be erected in every populous district, 
hand-loom weavers find ample employment, markets be opened 
to the farmer for the sale of flax, and the suffering poor be 
emancipated through the multitudinous occupations arising 
from the inestimable flax-plant. Nor let it be supposed that 
I indulge in empty theories : for flax cannot, like cotton^ be 
woven by the power-loom, and the erection of spinning-mills 
in one populous and distressed locality is already in contem- 
plation ; particulars of which, with recent accounts of profits 



280 



THE author's reply TO 



derived from the growth of flax in this neighbourhood, I hope 
shortly to have an opportunity of communicating. 

I remain, yours, &c., 

John Warnes, Jun. 

Trimingham, March \2>th, 1845. 



No. XX. 

SiK, 

In offering to the public the 20th and last number of 
this series, I feel a degree of confidence that experience, and 
an intimate knowledge of my theme, alone can justify. 

Throughout my pamphlets, and innumerable letters both 
public and private, I endeavoured to show" that the soil of 
Great Britain possessed resources adequate to the wants of 
the population ; and that the flax crop was to be the medium 
of developing those resources. As yet, no one has successfully 
refuted my theory or disproved my statements. The last 
attempt was made by Mr. Cobden in the House of Commons, 
whose observations, upon that occasion, were weak and incon- 
sistent, a mere echo of the Anti-Corn-Law League. But flax, 
instead of being rejected as w^orthless, is now cultivated more 
systematically in Norfolk and Suffolk than heretofore ; and, if 
I may judge from an extensive correspondence, will be grown 
this year in every county of England ; also in Scotland, North 
and South Wales, Jersey, St. Agnes, &c. 

The congeniality of our climate to the growth of flax, the 
non-exhausting effects of the crop, the extraordinary produce 
of seed per acre, and value as cattle-food, the profits derived, 
and the fund of employment afforded, are facts of more weight 
in favour of the flax cause than a multitude of arguments, and 
prove incontestably the soundness of my advocacy. Of these 
facts Mr. Cobden w^as, or ought to have been, aware, when he 
introduced to the notice of Parliament the Report of the Na- 
tional Flax and Agricultural Improvement Association, for 
they were recorded in the report itself. 



MR. cobden's arguments. 



281 



That ''most deadly weapon furnished to the lecturers of the 
Anti-Corn-Law League/' to which Mr. Cobden alluded, was 
first wielded against landowners, in a paragraph published by 
the League in the Manchester Guardian of the 9th of October 
last, and which I successfully encountered in No. 14 of my 
series. Mr. Cobden's arguments being couched in the same 
terms, and implying precisely the same questions, are as easily 
refuted, which the inquirer will perceive by the following- 
extract : — 

''1st. How can the English grower afford to sell flax for 
the same price at which the foreigner imports it, free of duty, 
at less cost for labour, and unburdened by a national debt, 
poor, highway, and county rates ? 

" 2ndiy. Why cannot the English grower afford to sell wheat 
for the same price at which the foreigner imports it, free of 
duty?" 

" I answer, that the quantity of flax grown in this country is 
so much beneath the demand, that the foreign farmer or specu- 
lator, knowing our necessities^ is able to charge so high a price 
that the British grower can readily accept the same terms, 
although burdened with all those disadvantages from which 
the foreigner is exempt. 

" Formerl}^, the superiority preponderated in favour of British 
flax; but during the war. Government removed the restrictive 
duties. The foreigner then inundated us with flax, obtained 
the ascendancy, exercised ever after an arbitrary control over 
the flax-market, and compelled our manufacturers to pay for 
the raw material, not, as the League asserted, 'about 435. 
only,' but about 1405. per cwt. ; or, instead of 43/. per ton, 
140Z. ; while the Belgian farmers in particular realized from 
30/. to 50/. per acre for what they significantly term their 
'golden crop.' A serious warning of what may be expected 
when the duty on foreign wheat shall be a penny a quarter ! 

" It will now appear evident to the most common understand- 
ing, that should we become as dependent upon foreign nations 
for bread as we now are for flax, English wheat must inevitably 
share the fate of English flax. Land would be thrown out of 
cultivation ; the foreigner obtain the command of price ; and 



282 



THE author's reply TO 



the few growers of wheats like the few growers of flax, would 
alone reap a profit." 

A copy of this letter was forwarded to the editor of the 
above-named paper^ of which, for obvious reasons, no notice 
was taken; nor do 1 expect that the '^lecturers of the Anti- 
Corn-Law League," or even Mr. Cobden himself, will venture 
a reply. In truth, if the English farmer needed a weapon 
against free trade, Mr. Cobden has supplied him with one in 
the above comparison between the importation of flax and that 
of wheat. 

It is, undoubtedly, the special province of the Legislature 
diligently to inquire into the latent resources of the country, 
to render them subservient to the wants of the people, 
to uphold and protect the working classes, and to provide 
them with every legitimate means of subsistence ; but never 
till the present period was a member in the House of Com- 
mons heard to revile British landowners for attempting to 
advance the best interests of the nation, and to ameliorate the 
condition of the poor. 

Mr. Cobden's attack upon the National Report was opposed 
to every principle of patriotism, and contrary to sound political 
knowledge — a report fraught with information of the highest 
importance to the state, holding out the prospect of employ- 
ment for the redundant population," and "a remedy for the 
distresses of the people — a report submitted to the ordeal 
of the strictest scrutiny," and which, if introduced to the notice 
of Government at all, should have been accompanied with a 
recommendation to serious attention — a report, the accuracy 
of which, if Mr. Cobden doubted, he ought to have instituted 
the inquiry challenged, when he would have discovered that 
the growth of linseed, with box-feeding and summer-grazing, 
was a far better method of promoting the '^welfare of the 
'farmers of Wales, of Scotland, and of Wiltshire," than that of 
"importing foreign beans, peas, and oats to fatten their cattle;" 
also, that a judicious and systematic introduction of the flax 
crop would remove from the rural and manufacturing districts 
all distress consequent upon the want of employment and of 
adequate wages, because the demand for work would be sup- 



MR. COBDEN AND THE LEAGUE. 



283 



plied, the labour-market cleared, and remunerative wages 
ensured. But the League are too well informed upon these 
subjects to risk a discussion that would end in the overthrow 
of their favourite scheme of ruining the landed interests of the 
country. 

The original and chief pretext for free trade was the im- 
provement of the condition of the redundant population, which 
the manufacturers averred could only be secured by an inter- 
charge between British manufactures and cheap foreign bread. 
But, no sooner were flax associations formed with the view of 
providing employment for the people, and cheap provisions 
from native resources, than the promoters were unjustly and 
illiberally attacked by the Anti-Corn-Law League. I say 
unjustly, because the League attribute to the supporters of 
the flax cause an intention of increasing the price of wheat, 
and of lessening the means of subsistence ; illiberally, because, 
in their strictures upon our proceedings, they studiously avoid 
the explanation of our real designs — designs such as every 
patriot and philanthropist must review with delight ; but such 
as our cold-hearted and misanthropic opponents perseveringly 
misrepresent. 

The speeches delivered at our various meetings all evince 
the kindliest sympathy for the distresses of the poor, and a 
desire to promote the culture of flax for the double purpose 
of providing employment, and of introducing not only cheap 
bread, but cheap meat into their cottages. 

My visits to Sussex, that appear to have given Mr. Cobden 
so much off'ence, were undertaken with exclusive reference to 
the above objects; and the happiest results have followed. 
I should rejoice if similar opportunities were afforded me in 
Lancashire, where I doubt not that my services would be 
equally beneficial, and that the operatives of Manchester would 
soon be supplied with cheap provisions from the resources of 
their own county. 

But I should esteem it a higher gratification could Mr. 
Cobden be induced to visit Trimingham, and personally to 
investigate the eff"ect of those measures which he so incautiously 
ventured to ridicule; measures that, notwithstanding the 
taunts of those who have devoted to the subject fewer minutes 



284 



FLAX VERSUS COTTON. 



than I have years, would, if universally adopted, prove the 
panacea for the distress both of the rural and manufacturing 
districts. 

Mr. Cobden and his adherents, though indirectly, have not 
been the least amongst my coadjutors; because the effect of 
their proceedings compels many agriculturists to turn their 
attention to the cultivation of flax, which, under a remunera- 
tive price for corn, they w^ould for ever have rejected. There- 
fore, should the schemes of the League ultimately prove 
successful, the British farmer, sooner than allow his fields to 
lie waste, wdll appropriate them to the growth of flax ; and, 
with labourers fed upon cheap foreign provisions, be enabled 
to produce the raw material at a price successfully to com- 
pete even with cotton. Thus w^ould free trade be as fatal 
to the manufacturers of that article as to the growers of 
corn. 

We hear of no objection to the growth of flax except from 
cotton manufacturers, who are perpetually exclaiming, *^'We 
cannot eat flax;" while flax-spinners in particular, and all w^ho 
are conversant with the real properties of the crop, recommend 
and encourage its culture. Both parties are zealous advocates 
for free trade. The cotton-spinner, however, foreseeing the 
injurious effect that a supply of cheap linen would have upon 
calico, endeavours to mislead the public with respect to the object 
of the patriotic promoters of the flax cause. He also aims at the 
removal of restrictive duties upon corn, regardless of throwing 
a large proportion of our fields out of cultivation, and of our 
rural population out of work. 

But the flax- spinner, on the contrary, offers, as some com- 
pensation for free trade, the circulation of that capital at home 
w^hich he now sends abroad for the purchase of flax; a circu- 
lation in which is involved five or six millions every year — the 
employment of all descriptions of idle hands — and the reduction 
of poor-rates. 

Under these circumstances, it behoves both landlord and 
tenant to become thoroughly acquainted with this important 
subject, remembering "that flax is a double crop; that the 
seed alone remunerates; and that whatever the fibre produces 
above the cost for labour, is gain." 



INSTRUCTION IN FLAX-DRESSING. 



285 



It will be found that the want of instruction in the proper 
management of the fibre, is the only real hindrance to success. 
Even in this neighbourhood we have something to learn, par- 
ticularly with respect to steeping and grassing. I have there- 
fore engaged an instructor from Belgium, versed in all those 
modern improvements which have rendered that country so 
famous for the production of the most valuable flax. My agree- 
ment >vith the foreigner has especial reference to the teaching 
of English youths ; and I take this opportunity of observing, 
that young active labourers of good character, from an}^ part - 
of the kingdom, may be sent immediately to Trimingham to 
acquire a knowledge of the business. 

In the course of three or four months they will return com- 
petent to teach others, and be the means of disseminating 
information in the only effectual way ; for though every pro- 
cess is simple and easy of attainment, written explanations 
cannot obviate the necessity of practical illustration. 

The only expenses incurred will be for travelling and main- 
tenance, which for each pupil cannot exceed 10/. ; a sum insig- 
nificant compared to the benefit derived : because lOl. may be 
either lost or saved in the preparation of only one acre of good 
flax. This sum might be raised by agricultural societies, or by a 
union of parties interested in the growth of the plant, at 6d. or 
I5. a week each for the time proposed. I mention these particu- 
lars in order to show by what simple means great objects may be 
accomplished ; and I trust that the arrangement will be accept- 
able to all my correspondents who can conveniently avail 
themselves of it, or to others who may have been induced to 
sow flax at my instigation. 

If the Irish, who have been growers of flax from time imme- 
morial, found it desirable to form societies, and to introduce 
Belgians to improve their system of management, how much 
more necessary must it be for those districts to adopt similar 
plans where flax was never grown before. The finest crops, if 
not properly handled, mil fail to remunerate ; but if treated 
according to the Belgian system, no farm produce, at the pre- 
sent period, repays so well. For instance, since the publication 
of the Report of the National Flax Association, Mr. Srhith, of 
Gunton, sold to the Messrs. Marshall, of Leeds, the produce of 



286 



SUCCESS OF THE FLAX CAUSE. 



two acres of flax, which, with the seed, amounted to 48/. Mr. 
Barcham, of Antingham, disposed of 60 stone of 1 4 lbs. and of 
about 20 bushels of seed gro\vn upon one acre. Many similarly 
productive crops have been sold in Norfolk and Suffolk ; but 
not being in possession of accurate returns, I cannot at present 
record them. It is, however, worthy of observation, that the 
price of the best Norfolk wheat is now only 22^. ^d. per coomb, 
while that of sowing linseed is 405.; also, that barley is 
selling at 135. 6c?., and crushing linseed at 305. ; all of native 
growth. 

Whether the reader refer to the above facts, which admit of 
no refutation, to our advancement in the arts of preparation_, 
to the ingenuity and efficacy of our machinery, or to the growing 
spirit of inquiry, he will discover how senseless and unavailing 
were the attempts to thwart my advocacy of these important 
subjects, and to confine within the limits of a locality benefits 
that were ordained for the kingdom at large. 

Our flax-ship may now be considered fairly launched, re- 
quiring only skilful mariners to direct her course. That her 
voyage will be prosperous, I entertain no doubt ; because the 
necessities of an increasing population imperatively demand 
that food, raiment, and employment with which she is so richly 
laden ; — food, because of the seed of flax, which, formed into 
compounds to fatten cattle, produces corn as well as meat — 
raiment, because of the linen obtained from the stalks — and 
employment, because of the thirty branches of business attached 
to the crop. 

If idleness be the root of all evil, the employment of the 
poor must ever be a prominent object of Christian duty. Could 
my readers witness the beneficial effects of flax-scutching alone 
upon certain classes destitute of all moral and religious order, 
they would firmly unite with me in the furtherance of this 
' great cause, nor desist from their labours till flax shall have 
become a staple commodity of this country. 

During my progress, I have been enabled to surmount diflfil- 
culties to which I shall ever revert with gratitude and astonish- 
ment. Had my opponents been capable of appreciating the 
principles by which I was actuated, they would have shared 
with me " the luxury of doing good," and escaped an unen- 



THE AUTHOR COLLECTS AND PUBLISHES HIS WRITINGS. 287 

viable notoriety now inseparably attached to the history of the 
flax cause. 

And here, I must briefly advert to the encouragement 
derived from many of my correspondents whom I may probably 
never see; but whose intelligent letters I shall retain as 
pleasing remembrances of friendly co-operation. 

According to my original intention, I shall now proceed to 
compile this series, with my pamphlets, &c., and to republish 
them, by subscription, in a collected form, dedicated to the 
landlords and tenants of Great Britain. The work will contain 
ample directions for grazing all descriptions of stock, and for 
securing the flax-crop according to the Belgian system. The 
whole will be illustrated by engravings of the bullock-boxes, 
with the machinery and apparatus requisite for the preparation 
of flax, and for the formation of the seed into the various 
fattening compounds. 

The price will be regulated by the number of subscribers, 
but will not exceed five or six shillings. All I require is 
indemnity from actual loss ; my object being the good of my 
country; my reward, the gratification of success. 

I am, &c., 

John Warnes, Jun. 

Trimingham, May 9th, 1845. 



Vain were my resolutions of retiring from the lists of contro- 
versy, for although my former opponents were disposed of, I 
was compelled afterwards, as an act of public duty, to cut off a 
few skirmishers under the disguises of a " Cincinnatus," An 
Old Subscriber," Ignoramus," &c., who, offering their crude 
and antiquated notices, impeded the onward march of the grand 
cause. 

The necessity for my doing so was urged by private and 
public intimations, of which the subjoined note is an interesting 
confirmation : — 



( 288 ) 



THE CULTIVATION OF FLAX. 

To the Editor of the Farmer's Journal. 

Sir, 

I have read with much pleasure the important and interesting- 
observations (reported in your last Journal) made by Mr. Warnes, at 
the meeting of the Huntingdon Agricultural Society. In my opinion, 
the cultivation of flax is, in the present position of this country, of 
paramount necessity. Why, then, should the matter be allowed to 
remain almost in abeyance ? Mr. Warnes, who is evidently heart and 
soul in the matter, formerly contributed some most important letters 
to the Farmer s Journal, and which I at the time read with very great 
interest. Permit me, therefore, to urge upon your subscribers — Mr. 
Warnes in particular — to reopen the subject, the full development of 
which must prove of the most essential importance to the country at 
large. I observe that " Cincinnatus," in your last week's Journal, 
objects to the cultivation of flax ; hence it appears to me to be a duty 
on the part of its promoters to convince all parties that flax can be 
grown profitably in this kingdom, without injury to the soil. 

Yours, &c., 

S. S. 

Warrington, Oct. \6th, 1846. 

Had mere refutation^ however, been my object, I should have 
avoided a contest with anonymous writers ; but regarding it as 
a medium of conveying useful information, I responded to the 
call, and hope that the three following letters may be found of 
value to the practical inquirer. 



REPLY TO CINCINNATUS." 



289 



No. I. 

ON THE FLAX CROP AND THE USE OF LINSEED. 

To the Editor of the Farmer s Journal. 

Sir, 

In your paper of last week 1 perceive a letter headed 
by the following question: — ''Is an extended cultivation of 
flax necessary, or profitable in this country ? " I'he writer has 
assumed the name of Cincinnatus, a Roman patriot, who, for 
the love of his country, left his plough, and sacrificed for a time 
his private interests. The modern Cincinnatus, however, 
smothers the patriotism of his own questions by tales of his 
youth ; and by asserting, as facts, evils that have long ceased 
to exist, and by offering theories that have no foundation, 
except in his own imagination. 

But, before I proceed, allow me to acknowledge the gratifica- 
tion I derived from the perusal of your subjoined reply, and cor- 
dially to thank you for your warm recommendation of my book. 

In " Cincinnatus " I think I recognise a former opponent ; 
and though I had resolved to pass over the remarks of anony- 
mous writers, I feel constrained upon the present occasion to 
pursue an opposite course, under the hope that it may lead to 
some public benefit. 

To the first question, viz., Is an extended cultivation of 
flax necessary?" 1 reply, absolutely so ; because of the unem- 
ployed population and consequent evils. To the second, viz., 
" Or, is it profitable in this country ? " I answer, more so, 
under the improved system, than any other crop. 

With reference to the first question, it is a remarkable coin- 
cidence, that I had scarcely commenced this letter before three 
youths, each under seventeen years of age, and belonging to 
neighbouring parishes, applied to me for work. I referred them 
to my flax-agent, who will require the services of many young 
persons through the present winter. Now, were all other pa- 
rishes similarly provided with flax, the greatest blessings would 
be conferred upon the poor, and rates be rendered nominal, as 
at Trimingham. Need I adduce stronger evidence in favour of 
an extended cultivation ? And would not the Roman Cincin- 
natus have contemplated the picture with patriotic delight ? 

V 



290 



THE author's reply TO 



But, as the English Cincinnatus requires profit in the fore- 
ground, I can happily offer a prospect that will gladden the 
eyes of the keenest calculator. He will perceive that flax is 
now a double crop, affording fibre and seed — that if both are 
sold, the acreable profit exceeds that of corn. But when cattle 
are fattened upon the seed, it is impossible to form an estimate 
of the returns for meat, or for corn raised by the manure. 

Cincinnatus " observes, I was born a Farmer, and have 
followed agricultural pursuits for a long life " — meaning, 1 
suppose, that he ought, in consequence, to be considered an 
authority. I, also, have passed some years in agricultural 
pursuits ; and know many who call themselves Farmers, and 
yet are cumberers, not tillers, of the ground. My father," he 
remarks, was a grower of hemp and flax, and prepared it for 
the buckler ; but as I was a mere boy when he discontinued 
the practice, I know not why he abandoned it — but I recollect 
that it required our best land to produce it — that it exhausted 
the land very much, and encouraged the growth of rubbish." 
It IS singular that " Cincinnatus " should not have been ac- 
quainted with the true cause of abandonment, and yet have so 
vivid a recollection that flax required their best land — that 
it very much exhausted the soil, and encouraged the growth of 
rubbish." Such a list of woes would in themselves have 
formed a sufliicient reason for the discontinuing of the culture 
of flax. But we know that it was mainly occasioned by the 
want of hands consequent upon war. At that time the rural 
population was barely equal to the task of gathering in the 
crops of grain ; much less to that of securing flax, which re- 
quired according to the system then practised, so much and such 
varied attention. What might have been inexpedient then, 
becomes an imperative duty now, seeing that our population is 
' doubled, for a vast proportion of which adequate employment 
cannot be found. In those da3^s flax was pulled, steeped, and 
prepared during harvest ; now, it is stacked like corn, and the 
after-processes performed at pleasure. Under the old system the 
seed was cast into the steeping-holes with the stalks, and de- 
stroyed ; but now, it forms the most important part of the crop, 
returning, with the chaff and broken stalks, tenfold to the 
soil. 



I 



THE LETTER OF CTNCINNATUS." 291 

In those remote ages when Quintus Cincinnatus held the 
plough, land was allowed to rest every other year, and to 
become hard with rubbish. 

Alternis idem tonsas cessare novalis, 

Et segnam patiere situ durescere campum." 

Virgil laid the foundation for the improvement of agri- 
culture in the Roman provinces. His rules are universally 
practised at the present day, forming a part even of our own 
husbandry. The agriculture of England, however, is now 
become the envy of surrounding nations. Her best cultivated 
districts are being traversed by foreigners in search of informa- 
tion, who export our cattle, machinery, and men, to every part 
of the world. Common sense must foresee the result, and 
''Cincinnatus" acknowledge that ''an extended cultivation 
of flax is necessary." Quintus Cincinnatus was a lover of 
his country ; he tilled his own farm, and rendered it subservient 
to his w^ants. But the modern Cincinnati traverse every clime 
in search of cattle-food and manure, while both may be had 
from their own resources. 

Your correspondent further observes, " We must be excused 
for thinking flax will not succeed, for the kind of land required 
for its growth wdll produce much more benefit to the occupier 
by farming it in a judicious manner." Herein is a palpable 
error ; for " flax will grow upon any soils that produce corn, 
and upon soils where corn will not grow at all." It is possible 
that the best lands may produce, on the average, the most 
valuable flax ; but it is not necessary to appropriate such lands 
to its growth, nor to displace a single acre of corn, while thou- 
sands and tens of thousands of acres lie fallow every year. 
Were only small portions of those fallows sown with linseed, 
inestimable advantages w^ould be conferred upon the cultivator, 
the labourer, and the public. 

For instance, if out of one hundred acres of fallow, twenty 
were sowm with linseed, the produce would be fifty quarters ; 
which, with grass, would fatten fifty bullocks, according to my 
system of summer-feeding in boxes, provide a rich supply of 
manure for all the hundred acres in question, and return an 
ample profit to the grazier. 

u 2 



292 



A FARM IN BEDFORDSHIRE. 



With respect to the stalks, experience will prove that what- 
ever the fibre sells for beyond the cost of preparation, is gain. 
Thus would the unfruitful fallow be soon excluded from^the 
Farmer's rotation, turnips be cultivated upon soils now uncon- 
genial to their growth, and abundance spring up in the place of 
a scanty herbage and meagre grain. 

Land devoted to summer fallows, broad fences, ordinary 
grass, and rubbish, is a national loss, and incurs a serious re- 
sponsibility upon both landlord and tenant. The soil ranks 
amongst the highest talents committed to our charge, and we 
are bound to render it subservient to the wants of mankind. 

The time has arrived for the farmer to give up idle preju- 
dices, to lay hold of every available source of profit, and to 
depend on increased production as his only security against 
foreign or home competition. 

Whether your correspondent be a tenant or a landlord, he 
cannot but acknowledge the correctness of these conclusions, and 
that he who obstructs the springs of national improvement is un- 
worthy the name of Cincinnatus, the Roman Consul and Farmer. 

I lately had the pleasure of inspecting a farm in Bedford- 
shire, accompanied by the noble owner and the occupier. It 
consisted of a thousand acres, and evinced, throughout every 
field, the national advantages of good tenants and liberal land- 
lords. There I saw land that had recently yielded excellent crops 
of grain, which before, as pasture, was comparatively worth- 
less ; fences reduced from twenty-one feet wide or more, to three ; 
fallows giving way to turnips and mangel-wurzel ; unsightly 
ditches being removed ; fields enlarged ; and tiles, to complete 
the all-important work of drainage, strewed in every direction. 

To every suggestion for improvement a cordial assent was 
given. I had also the additional gratification of seeing a long 
range of cattle-boxes with a boiling-house attached, rising from 
the ground ; and of learning that a quantity of linseed would 
be grown to carry out my system of fattening cattle with 
native instead of foreign produce — a system that enables the 
farmer to triple the number of his cattle and quantity of 
manure ; a system, the advantages of which will be seen in the 
following account of last winter's return for grazing upon my 
premises. 



PROFITS OF BOX-FEEDING. 



293 



£. s. £. s. 

7 Durham bullocks . . . cost 59 10 sold for 136 10 

10 Scotch ditto . . . . „ 100 „ 215 

1 Cow „ 5 5 „ 15 

164 15 366 10 

The above cattle were bought in and resold within six 
months. They consumed, with the following now in herd, 
19 acres of turnips, about 14 quarters of linseed, and a 
few bushels of barley-meal, with several acres of pea-straw, 
viz., ten small heifers and steers, estimated value above 
their cost . . . . . , . . 84 



450 10 

Deduct the cost price of the above bullocks and cow . . 164 15 

285 15 

Deduct also for 14 quarters of linseed, mostly grown upon 

the farm, 35/.; and 41. for barley . . . . 39 

Return for turnips and straw ..... £246 15 

or 13/. per acre for the turnips. 

The next item of profit is the manure, to form a just esti- 
mate of which is impossible. Of course the rent of the land, 
rates, &c., and expenses for attendance, &c., &c., must be 
enumerated to show a clear profit. But the utmost allowance 
that the severest critic could make, would leave a balance un- 
precedented in favour of the new system. 

Thus much for the profits from the seed of flax. With 
respect to those from the fibre my experience is equally satis- 
factory. 

The subjoined letter, just received from my agent at Leeds, 
affords an account of 28 bales of flax sold during the past few 
days. The whole was prepared at Trimingham, and, with little 
exception, grown upon my own farm. The greater portion was 
defective in colour owing to the water in which it was steeped ; 
and for the want of experience, much was imperfectly dressed, 
or the best would, as the merchant stated, have been worth 
100/. or 120/. per ton. 



294 



PRICE REALIZED BY THE AUTHOR* S FLAX. 



On the arrival of the flax, I repaired to Leeds myself, and 
submitted it to the inspection of Messrs. Marshall, Atkinson, 
Moffat, Walker, Mc. Crea, and other leading spinners of the 
town, in order that I might obtain the advantage of their expe- 
rience in the future management of the crop. 

But, as -a more formal report will, I expect, be shortly 
published, I shall now only observe that a great proportion 
of my flax produced at the rate of about one ton from three 
acres of land, or at 85Z. per ton, at the rate of 28Z. per acre, 
or at 53/. per ton, 17Z. lOs. per acre, exclusive of the seed, 
which, in some instances, amounted to 26 and 28 bushels per 
acre. But taking 20 as the average, at the present price of 
English linseed, 71. per acre may be added to the above 
sums. 

Leeds, Oct. Mth. 

Dear Sir, 

The finest of your flax has nearly all been sold at S5s. per 
cwt. ; the second quality at 70^., the third at 605., and the coarsest at 
53*. per cwt. 

I have no doubt but you will be satisfied with the price obtained : as 
soon as the flax has been worked up, which will take ten or fourteen 
days, I will acquaint you with the result ; but I can confirm what 
you heard here, viz., that every spinner who has seen the flax feels 
satisfied that a first-rate quality can be grown in Norfolk, and that 
but for the irregularity of colour in the present lots they would gene- 
rally be worth more. 

I am, your obedient Servant, 

J. Hirst. 

Mr. Editor — I have been a grower of flax, and an advocate 
for an extended culture of the plant, more than six years. 
During this period I have experienced the undeviating 
^support of the Farmer s Journal, and I doubt not, but that you 
will rejoice at my having, on the present occasion, so success- 
fully shown that an extended cultivation of flax is necessary 
and profitable in this country." 

I remain^ your obedient servant, 

John Warnes. 

Trimmgham, Norfolk, Oct. 16^A, 1846. 



( 295 ) 



No. II. 
FLAX. 

To the Editor of the Farmer s Journal. 

Sir. 

The letter of " An Old Subscriber," in your Journal of 
last week, may justly be compared to that of his anti-patriotic 
contemporary " Cincinnatus." Both are valueless, except for 
the opportunity they afford of exposing the ignorance of past 
ages, and the fallacious notions of the present day — notions 
that have no foundation beyond the remembrance of things 
that happened when the writers were '"mere boys," or the 
failure of experiments through inexperience, impatience, and 
want of perseverance. 

Such are the cogitations of Cincinnatus," and of ''An Old 
Subscriber all of which I refuted last week ; and I think that 
the intelligent reader must have discovered that both birds 
were killed v/ith one stone." 

But, as ''An Old Subscriber" may not be altogether quick- 
sighted, or willing to acknowledge the effect of my prowess, 
I will give him a separate charge, and leave him to feel, and 
the public to judge, how far my aim has been correct. I must, 
however, express my admiration of his indubitable courage in 
venturing to combat my experience of several hundred acres 
of flax, with his own half- acre grown in an old garden ; or 
rather, I ought to have said astonishment at his indiscretion, in 
presenting a weapon so feeble against a phalanx so strong. 

It appears that your correspondent sowed in 1845 an acre of 
land, one half with flax, the other with carrots, potatoes, and 
mangel-wurzel. The result, he states, was exactly '20/. sterling 
in favour of the root over the flax-crop ; that is to say, he 
disposed of the former at the rate of 49/. 85. per acre, and the 
latter (if haply he could obtain 305. for the stalks) at 9/. 85. 
per acre. He further adds, that the above is a true state- 
ment." It would therefore be indecorous to dispute the quan- 
tity of roots produced or money realized. I can only say that 
the accounts are marvellous, and ought to have been authenti- 
cated by a real and not a fictitious signature. But, whether 
true or false, the comparison is unfair, because it ought to have 
been drawn between the tenant-farmers' root-crop (which cannot 



296 



VALUE OF ROOT-CROPS. 



be sold from off the land), and the returns for cattle fed upon 
it, whether in the shape of meat, butter, or cheese. To cal- 
culate otherwise would be absurd. Farmers cannot be market- 
gardeners ; and, T repeat, that the value of carrots, potatoes, 
and mangel-wurzel is ascertained, not at the green-grocer's, 
but at the butcher's stall. 

Had the roots been converted into meat, rather than sold, 
the carrots, according to my experience, would, instead of 11/., 
have realized about II. ]6s. The potatoes, instead of 11/., 
about 11. 175.; and the mangel-wurzel, instead of 21. \0s., 
about I6s. 6d., or 4/. 9s. 6d. for the half-acre of roots, instead 
of 24/. 145., being at the rate of 8/. 19s., instead of 49/. 85., 
per acre. 

I submit this calculation to the practical farmer, and I 
should be glad to have it corrected if necessary. But I venture 
to hazard an opinion that 71. per acre for roots of any kind 
will be found an extreme sum, unless incorporated with other 
ingredients, as I have shown in my reply to " Cincinnatus." 

Let an}^ person who may doubt, try the experiment upon an 
average-sized bullock ; he will then be able to form a just 
estimate of such statements as are contained in the letter now 
under consideration, and to discover that, instead of a shilling 
per bushel for carrots, and six-pence for mangel-wurzel, two- 
pence would have been sufficient ; and, instead of two shillings 
per bushel for potatoes, four-pence would have been too much. 

The calculation, according to my experience, ought to stand 
thus : — 

Half an acre of flax, consisting of 8 bushels of seed, at £. s. d. 

85. per bushel . . . . . . .340 

And 15 cwt. of stalks, containing 15 stone of fibre, at 

Ss. per stone . . . . . . . 6 

Chaff, tow, and broken stalks . . . . . 10 

£10 4 

i acre of carrots — 220 bushels, at 2c?. per 

bushel £1 16 5 

i acre of potatoes and mangel-wurzel — 112 

bushels of potatoes, at 4</. per bushel . 1 17 4 

100 bushels of mangel-wurzel, at 2d. per 

bushel 16 8 

4 10 5 

Balance in favour of flax . . . £5 13 7 



FLAX WILL FAIL IF GROWN AFTER TURNIPS. 



297 



I have made no deductions for expenses, because the " Old 
Subscriber" made none in his calculations. Should he, how- 
ever, be disposed to compare the cost of his root-crop with that 
of his flax, I shall be able to show that the latter is less than 
the former. In fact, although the root-crop is proverbially 
termed "the sheet-anchor of Norfolk farming," it is, neverthe- 
less, designated a necessary evil," on account of the profits 
being less than the expenses. 

Your correspondent observes, I had what appeared a 
splendid crop." In this respect, however, he must have been 
mistaken ; for sjAendid can only apply where the stalks are 3 or 
3J feet high, fine, thick in the ground, and weighing, when 
deprived of the seed, at the rate of 45 or 50 cwt. per acre ; 
yielding about 1 st. 4 lbs. of fibre to every cwt. of stalks, and 
worth 10s. or 155. per stone. 

But the half-acre of your correspondent's stalks weighed 
only 15 St., or about two-thirds of a crop, affording another 
striking instance of the impossibility of growing good flax after 
turnips. This fact I repeatedly pointed out in my former 
letters, referring to several cases of failure, and particularly to 
the experience of Mr. Edmonds, of Stonehouse, Plymouth, 
formerly an extensive flax-grower in Somersetshire, who 
writes — 

" As an instance of the risk of sowing flax after turnips, I 
will mention that a friend of mine, some years since, had ^ 
fancy to sow a field alternately with turnips and white peas, 
from each of which he had a good crop ; in the following year 
he appropriated the same field to flax, but at the harvest his 
field was in stripes, the land on which the peas grew having 
produced good flax, whilst the flax which followed the turnips 
proved good for nothing " 

Had '*^An Old Correspondent," therefore, properly attended 
to the subject, he would have avoided sowing linseed after 
Swedish turnips ; and the still greater error of attempting to 
divert public attention from my letter by the relation of an 
incomplete experiment. Like the fox and the grapes," 
having failed of success himself, he warned others against the 
supposition of obtaining any fruit through my representations; 



298 



FLAX IN BEDFORDSHIRE. 



but his m".schievous intentions have been frustrated. A grood 
cause loses nothing by opposition. I trust therefore that this 
explanation respecting the failure of flax after turnips will 
prevent future disappointments. I would also advise those 
who grow only 30 cwt. of stalks and 16 pecks of seed an acre, 
not to despise so small a crop, seeing that, if properly managed, 
it may prove worth 18/. or 20/. 

I have many correspondents in Hertfordshire ; " An Old 
Subscriber" may be one ; if so, he is probably aware of my 
desire to see an establishment opened in that county for the 
preparation of flax, and for the instruction of youth in the 
improved system of management. Should such be the case 
next spring, the half-acre of stalks in question can be dressed 
for market, and the result will, I hope, induce your " Old 
Subscriber ' to follow the example of my youthful correspondents 
Mr. William Lavender, of Bidenham, Bedfordshire, and Mr. 
Samuel Druce, Evesham, Oxford. The former gentleman pro- 
duced at the last Bedfordshire Agricultural Meeting samples 
of flax and linseed, grown upon one chain less than an acre 
of stitF and ungenial land. He stated that the quantity of 
stalks was five one-horse cart-loads, and of seed 26 bushels, 
a small sample of which I am happy in having an opportunity 
of inclosing for your inspection, and for that of any one w^ho 
may be disposed to call at your office. It ranks amongst the 
best I have yet seen, whether of foreign or of native growth. 
Mr. Lavender also observed that the remainder of the field 
was mangel-wurzel, that the whole was afterwards sown with 
wheat, and that the acre after flax proved decidedly the best. 

Here^ then, is an instance of lO bushels of seed, and at 
least 10 cwt. of stalks per acre, upon inferior land, more than 
was grown upon " an acre of luxuriant old garden ground 
ground that produced, according to your " Old Subscriber's" 
account, at the rate of 880 bushels of carrots per acre, and 
848 bushels per acre of potatoes and mangel-wurzel — a proof 
that it does not require the best land to grow the finest crops 
of flax! 

The latter gentleman referred to is only known to me as an 
intelligent correspondent. The following extracts are taken 
from his two last notes : — 



MR. DRUCE TO THE AUTHOR. 



299 



" Evesham, near Oxford, October 20th, 1846. 

" Dear Sir, 

Since I last wrote to you we have had a man from Bridport 
to dress our flax, the growth of last year. The produce of 4 acres, 
1 rood, 24 perches, was 104 bushels of seed, 121 dozen of flax, and 
31 dozen of tow. We paid the man 2s. per dozen for dressing the 
flax, and 1^. per dozen for the tow. His plans are altogether very 
original, and I am sure widely different from those followed by you. 
He is now dressing the crop of this year, which is very short, and will 
not yield much to the acre. But the seed is good, and we had 129 
bushels from 5i acres. I have inclosed samples of both years* 
growth, and shall feel much obliged if you will inform me who is 
likely to purchase it. 

" Samuel Druce, Jun." 

I referred Mr. Druce to Mr. Schwann, agent for the sale of 
flax at Leeds. I also requested him to favour the public with 
a detailed account of his experience through the columns of 
the Farmer s Journal, inclosing him small specimens of flax 
dressed by boys upon my premises, in order that he might be 
himself a judge of the superiority of the new over the old 
system. The following is his brief and truly patriotic reply : — 

" Dear Sir, " October 2Sth. 

" I am much obliged for the specimens of flax you were kind 
enough to send, at which our man seemed perfectly astonished. He 
tells me the flax he is now dressing is as good in colour as any he ever 
dressed in Dorsetshire, He has a great desire to see and learn your 
system of management. I should have been pleased to have addressed 
a letter to the Farmer's Journal, but find my time too much occupied. 
However, I beg to say that you are quite at liberty to insert any por- 
tion of my letter you may think worthy of notice. 

" Samuel Druce." 

Mr. Druce will, I expect, shortly forward a bundle of flax 
for comparison with the specimens now so kindly exhibited in 
your oflSce. 

Thus have I been enabled to adduce instances of success, in 
opposition to the surmises of a fictitious Cincinnatus," and 
to the tales of an anonymous " Subscriber;" showing the spirit 
of the present, with the deadness of the past age ; the light of 



300 



THEORETICAL FARMING. 



one with the darkness of the other. But, whether concerning 
the controversy on flax or on any other subject, I perceive that 
farmers, both of the old and new school, indulge in errors much 
to be lamented. The prejudices of the former, with little 
exception, remain deep-rooted and immoveable as the sturdy 
oak ; while the disposition of the latter is pliant as the osier, 
and volatile as the chemical nostrums they employ. The one 
party respects nothing but the plans and maxims of their an- 
cestors ; the other, the schemes only of scientific professors. 

But fortunately there is a middle class, to which I consider 
myself allied ; and it is with the hope of being the instrument 
of rousing the old school, and of checking the exuberance of 
the new, that I have re-entered the lists of controversy. 

My object is, first, to show that the farmer can derive no 
real or permanent benefit except from his own resources; and, 
secondly, to point out in what those resources consist. 

Not that I desire to set at nought all that Liebig, Johnson, 
Playfair, and Buckland have advanced; for I consider that 
they, like comets, move in eccentric orbits, conferring upon 
mankind undiscoverable benefits. Nor can I alter this opinion 
till convinced of error by the balance-sheet of some theoretical 
and chemical farmer. 

It is to the profitable employment of labour, capital, and 
skill that I especially direct the attention of the public. 

None can fail to realize profit who carry out my plans in all 
their original simplicity. The subjects on which I treat cannot 
be refuted without practical investigation. When thus fairly 
tested, " Cincinnatus," following the example of the pristine 
ag6s to which his assumed name refers, will proclaim the result 
for his country's good. 

Even An Old Subscriber," in spite of " his luck so bad/* 
>yill bid ''farewell" to prejudice, and, regardless of his own, be 
found zealously advancing the interests of others. 

Thus will profit, my all-powerful ally, calmly traverse the 
length and breadth of the land, shedding his infatuating influ- 
ence alike on those who impede his way or welcome his ap- 
proach. His supremacy established, we shall in vain look for 
depressed labour-markets, burdensome rates, and overflowing 
prisons. Who can contemplate this picture without emotions 



BOX-FEEDING. 



301 



of hope ? And who does not feel confident of its reality when 
perusing the following passage from the letter of the Marquis 
of Downshire, now taking the round of the public journals ? — 

After a protracted interview, we were led to believe that, 
in following out the interest shown by His Royal Highness 
(Prince Albert), he would make, next spring, various experi- 
ments, both in sowing flax and, now, in stall-feeding on the 
seed, as recommended by Mr. Warnes." 

I am, Sir, your obedient servant, 

John Warnes. 

Trimingham, Nov. 3rd, 1846. 



No. in. 

THE FLAX CAUSE.— BOX-FEEDING. 

We had intended, this week, to have entered into several 
interesting details on the growth and manufacture of flax : 
but we are only enabled to lay before our readers the fol- 
lowing letter from the pen of Mr. Warnes, in reply to the 
observations of " Ignoramus," which appeared in our last 
impression : — 

To the Editor of the Farmer s Journal. 

Sir, 

I HAVE read with care your replies to the questions of 
" Ignoramus" in your paper of this week, and I beg to say that 
they are all to the point, evincing the correctness of your ob- 
servations w^hile inspecting my farm premises. But I cannot 
so readily accord with your compliments to a gentleman who 
attempts to draw you into an explanation of particulars, which, 
on a former occasion, had been expressly aff'orded him through 
No, 16 of my series in the Farmer s Journal of November 28th, 
1844, and now to be found in page 253 of my book. However 
as the editorship was in other hands at that time, you, of course, 
were not acquainted with the circumstance. 

Allow me, therefore, for the information of the "farming 



302 



THE author's reply TO 



world," whom " Ignoramus" appears so solicitous of instruct- 
ing, to subjoin the following questions and answers extracted 
from the letter just referred to. 

" Ignoramus," then writing not under an assumed character, 
observed : — 

" It also appears, to my humble apprehension, that much skill 
and ingenious mechanism, and considerable expense, must be applied 
to construct cribs that shall move up and down between the posts. 
How are they suspended ? And what force is to raise them to, 
and stay them at, any particular elevation at which it may .be 
desired to place them"? And what advantage is gained by their 
moving up and down, above a crib which should simply stand on the 
ground 9 

No supernatural agency is exercised to regulate the action 
of the cribs between the posts ; nor is much skill, ingenious 
mechanism, or expense necessary to be employed. The great 
moving power centres in simplicity, which the carpenter would 
term a rabbet. This is made by nailing a spline perpendicu- 
larly in the centre of the outside ends of the crib, and two 
others upon each post to receive them, by which means the 
crib is moved up and down at pleasure ; the suspending power 
being nothing more than two pins thrust through holes in the 
sides of the splines upon the post for the crib to rest upon. 
The necessity for rendering the cribs moveable, arises from 
the increase of manure in the boxes ; a circumstance that 
Mr. Taunton ought not to have overlooked, and that requires 
no further explanation. 

The cribs we use in our farm-yards cannot be built, at least, 
for less than fifteen or nineteen shillings, which, again, would draw 
qnother stiff instalment out of the thirty shilling s."" 

The wood for the cribs, if made of foreign deals, would cost 
only 3s. 9cZ. each. 

" You do not mention of what wood or of what size the poles 
ought to be, which are to make your sills and ties. I should gladly 
learn, also, the length which you allot to each beast, from the crib 
backwards.'' 



THE LETTER OF IGNORAMUS." 



303 



The description of wood being perfectly immaterial, and 
consisting simply of poles, such as the thinning of plantations^ 
I left this department of building to the discretion of the car- 
penter. The length of the crib backwards is explained by the 
circumstance of the boxes being Si feet square. 

" The double gates which are to shut in the cattle must also be 
attended with considerable cost.'' 

On the contrary, they are nothing more than common lift- 
gates, in the shape of doors, according to the appearance of 
the elevation ; and at the cost of about eighteen shillings per 
dozen. 

" A more detailed and minute estimate of the materials, expense^ 
and dimensions of the several parts would, doubtless, confer a great 
kindness on many farmer s."" 

The real cost of the boxes to the tenant centres in the 
workman's wages. With the intrinsic value of the materials 
he has but little to do, because landlords would readily 
furnish such wood as I describe. But, to the unassisted 
farmer, posts, ties, and sills would cost about ^d or Is. each ; 
and poles for partitions, gates^ and roofs, about 2d. or 3c?. 
a-piece. With respect to dimensions, I find 8J feet square, 
independent of the space for the crib and passage, sufficient 
for bullocks of 40 or 50 stone weight (of 14 lbs. to the stone) ; 
but, for cattle upon a larger scale, a few additional inches 
might be added, and then one box would, if required, con- 
tain two small bullocks— a plan that I have seen adopted with 
advantage. 

I think all will perceive that the phraseology under the title 
of ^'Ignoramus" in 1846, is so identified with that under the 
name of W. P. Taunton in 1844, as to prove that both signa- 
tures represent the same person, and that my replies to the 
inquiries of November 28th, 1844, are equally applicable to 
those of December 21st, 1846. But, were it otherwise, I am 
sure every intelligent mind would excuse my not attempting 
to answer the present string of trifling questions ; questions 
that every village cow-boy and carpenter can readily answer ; 
for the carpenter well understands " the mechanical movement up 



304 



MR. MATTHEWS TO THE AUTHOR. 



and down of a crib between two posts with the power of a rabbet 
and a pin ; and the cow-boy, guided by common sense, would 
"know when to raise it, nor would he take the " weight when 
full" into calculation, seeing that he was only required to lift 
the crib when empty. 

There is no prejudice, Mr. Editor, so difficult to remove as 
that founded in ignorance ; yet have my plans in many notable 
instances overcome that enemy to improvement, and I doubt 
not that if your correspondent will favour me with a visit, his 
sceptical objections will also be quickly removed ; or, should 
the distance be deemed too great, my carpenter would forward 
him a correct model of my boxes for 15 or 20 shillings. 

Thus would the " woful darkness " of " Ignoramus" be 
dispersed, and glowing descriptions of the excellence of the 
box-feeding system at Ashley soon be circulated through the 
medium of the Farmer s Journal. 

As a lively illustration of the correctness of this expectation, 
I offer the subjoined communication, received whilst engaged 
yesterday in writing this letter : — 

Respected Friend, 

Thy disinterested efforts for improvement in agriculture, and 
employment of our surplus labour, are in my opinion worthy of imi- 
tation, and deserving the support of all capable of assisting in so 
desirable an object, proving to demonstration that the remedy for 
agricultural distress lies not in legislative enactments, but in the skill 
and enterprise of agriculturists themselves. In carrying out this view, 
I last winter partially adopted the compound feeding, as recommended 
in thy work, for bullocks, but for want of suitable boiling-houses, &c., 
added to the fear of trouble , soon gave it up, and therewith increased the 
cost of feeding 25 per cent. This season I have adopted it thoroughly, 
to entire satisfaction and greatly increased convenience ; bullocks, 
sheep, horses, cows, and breeding sows, being all under this system. 
^Having for years used the linseed in a crude state, I can fully appre- 
ciate its value, and the loss I have heretofore sustained. 

" I farm about thy quantity of land, having a considerable portion 
of it under spade-cultivation, whereby I occupy much labour at this 
season of the year, not only to my own profit and satisfaction of mind, 
but I trust also to the advantage of the labourer, stimulating others to 
go and do likewise. 

" Summer fallowing was never part of my course, rather two crops 
in its room, early tares followed by turnips or cabbage. Two days 



PROGRESS OF THE FLAX CAUSE. 



305 



ago I wrote Win. Dyball to send me one of the self-acting chaff-cutters, 
and to inform me about a grain-crusher, so |that I hope ere long to 
prove thy suggestions not only interesting, but profitable also. I 
believe the cultivation of flax is quite unknown in this locality, and 
that my own lease prohibits its growth. 1 congratulate thee on the 
increased attention it receives with you, and am. 

Thy friend, 

Wm. Matthews. 

Clay -pits Earlscolne, 2, 21, 46. 

The above frank and manly letter will be read with no 
common interest, and be received as an earnest of my pro- 
mises to afford, through your paper, authentic information 
respecting the benefits derived from the adoption of my plans. 
On this account I have of late recommended several noble- 
men and gentlemen to read the Farmer s Journal, and I re- 
joice in the present opportunity of directing their serious 
attention to the clear and simple details contained in the letter 
of Mr. Matthews. 

I am constantly in the receipt of similar acknowledgments, 
and have reason to hope that gentlemen in various counties 
will offer the fair results of their experience, through your 
columns, for the public good. 

Thus will our great and noble flax cause, of which box- 
feeding is an important appendage, be speedily established. 
I say great and noble, because who can but acknowledge the 
magnanimity of an undertaking that provides work for the 
weaker hands at adequate wages, such as were paid last week 
to that portion of my flax-scutchers, viz., to a boy of ten years 
old, 35. 1 \d. ; to another of fourteen, 65. ; another of sixteen, 
7s.; a small girl received 2s. 9d.; and two married women, 
85. 9<f. each, allowing them suflicient time to attend to their 
domestic affairs. Altogether I have fifteen flax-dressers, 
the more experienced of whom were paid at a higher rate. 
Being task-work, and most of the people novices, as you can 
testify, their earnings will increase as they become more expert. 
Need I add more at present than to subscribe myself yours 
and the public's 

Most obedient servant, 

John Warnes. 

Trimingham, Dec, 24, 1846. 



( 306 ) 



CONCLUDING REMARKS. 



London, March, 1846. 

To the foregoing pages I could add a volume of letters, ac- 
knowledging the benefits derived from the adoption of my 
plans. But such evidence, however gratifying, is not essential, 
because it is impossible for any to fail of success, provided they 
adhere to the rules prescribed. Nor is it necessary, at the 
present juncture, to enforce the subject upon the attention of 
agriculturists. Henceforth, the flax cause will rest upon its 
own merits; which, if we may judge from the signs of the 
times, must ultimately be established. 

The greatest propellers, however, powerful as the screw of 
Archimedes, are the measures of Sir Robert Peel, which 
deprive the farmer of remuneration from every crop except 
flax. He will, therefore, be compelled to introduce into his 
rotation this important acquisition, which, under a milder ad- 
ministration, he would for ever have rejected. 

During my sojourn in the metropolis for the purpose of 
superintending the publication of this book, I received many 
very interesting communications, from which I select, for the 
consideration of the reader, the following brief extracts : — 

" Ormsby, Norfolk, March 1th, 1846. 

" What flax I sent to Hull last year paid me 8/. 10*. per acre 
dear of all expenses. * * * « Richard Glasspoole." 

Fenton Barns, March Wth, 1846. 

giB^ * ^ * ^ 

Some ten years ago I grew nine imperial acres of flax. * * * 
The crop was sold at Perth and Dundee, where it fetched the very top 
price, if I remember right, 60/. per ton. I also sold the seed at a 
very high price, the quality being excellent. * * * After deducting 
all expenses, it left a clear profit of 15Z. per acre, which was certainly 
good, considering I was a novice at the business. * * * 

" George Hope." 



PROFIT PER ACRE OF FLAX. 



307 



Hembury Fort, Honiton, March I9th, 1846. 

^' I enclose the account of my flax, which I have put down 
low, so that I may be within the mark. * * * "VV^e shall certainly 
require the services of one of your Belgian flax-dressers in this neigh- 
bourhood. * * * 



Debt and Credit of one Acre : 





£. 


s. 


d. 


^ PImiP'liinp* thrpp timP"5i 

JL U.c^ l.lXJ.JCi;L LXAiV-'V' ClillV-O • « 4 


1 








Seed, two bushels 


1 








Working in ... . 





2 


6 


X Uillllg • . . . • 


A 

u 




n 
u 


Dressing flax, two packs an acre 


3 








Rent . . . . . 


1 


10 







7 


2 


6 


By Seed, sixteen bushels at 7^. 


5 


12 





Flax, two packs, at 6/. per pack 


12 










17 


12 







7 


2 





Clear 


10 


10 






'^William Porter." 
Willoughton Grange, Spittal, March 17 fh, 1846. 

Sir, 

Having grown a very excellent crop of flax last season on a 
piece of poor undrained clay land, with the application of two cwt. of 
guano ; and having threshed the seed a short time since (23 bushels 
per acre), I request to know whether I should prepare the fibre ac- 
cording to the Trent-side system. * * * I may add, that I am so 
well pleased with flax as a fallow-crop, that I intend to sow ten acres 
this year. * * * Linseed is now very dear, being ten shillings per 
bushel. 

"W. J. Nicholson." 

In an official document, for 1846, taken from the Fifth 
Annual Report of the Irish Flax Society, Presented by order 
of Her Majesty," I perceive that the profits upon one acre of 
flax, English measure, would be 20/., as follows ; — 



308 



PROFITS OF FLAX. 



Sir, 



Model Farm^ Caledon, November 29th, 1845. 



" In answer to yours of the 24th, I have much pleasure in fur- 
nishing you with an account of the flax crop, and expenses thereon, 
grown on the Earl of Caledon's model farm. Crop, 1845. 

£ s. d. 

" Produce of 1 acre, 1 rood, 39 perches, sold at 1 
11*. 9c?. per stone . . . f 

Tow 

130 bushels bows, which I consider well worth ) 
8g?. per bushel .... J 



Expenses of Crop. 
5 bushels seed 

Weeding .... 
Pulling, rippling, and steeping 
Taking out of steep — spreading 
Lifting and tying 
Scutching .... 



£ s. d. 

3 16 6 

10 

4 3 
2 1 

1 2 
4 9 



8 
4 
8 

4^ 



55 19 7^ 



8 
4 6 



60 14 3^ 



16 3 



Leaving a balance of 44 10 9 

Or at the rate of 29/. 13^. 10c?. per acre, after deducting all ex- 
penses. 

" It is but fair to add, that we had to carry the flax to and from the 
steep, on barrows, eight perches, as the steep was in a bog, and the 
carts could not get near it — consequently, had the carts got close to 
the steep, there would have been at least 1/. 10*. saved, 

I am. Sir, your most obedient servant, 

"John Barb, Manager. 

"y. Mac Adam, jun., Esq.^' 

The most important inferences are to be drawn from the 
above accounts, alike advantageous to landlords, tenants, and 
labourers, in whose prosperity every branch of the community 
is deeply interested. 

It will be seen that the clear profit, either upon good or 
inferior flax, is greater than upon corn; and that, under the 
improved system, the fibre only of the former is sent to 



DESTRUCTION OF SEED. 



309 



market, while the seed, chaff, and broken stalks are appro- 
priated to the fattening of cattle and to the making of manure. 

No objection, therefore, can now be urged on account of 
exhausting effects. The prohibitory clauses in old leases arose 
from the disregard paid to the preservation of the seed, or 
from selling the entire crop to factors called linmen. The 
greater portion of linseed in Ireland, even at the present day, 
is destroyed, and the same ruinous custom still exists in Eng- 
land, as the subjoined extract from a letter before me proves : 

Willoughton Grange, 
* * * * "I rode twenty miles to the warp lands 
on the side of the river Trent, to learn some particulars about the 
general process flax has to go through ; and saw a field of 12 acres 
covered with the stalks just taken out of steep and the seed adhering 
to them : the owner of which showed me the various stages they have 
to go through. He stated that they always got their best crops of 
wheat after flax, and said that he would buy all the flax that I could 
grow." 

I desire to draw particular attention to this point, because 
so much is said about the exhausting effects of flax beyond 
other crops ; which, although ill-grounded, operates against 
the cause ; and I think that I cannot more effectually enforce 
this part of my argument than by inserting a letter on the 
subject just forwarded to the ' Morning Herald ' and other 
journals. 

Ten Facts connected icith the Flax Crop. 

Sir, 

1st. — Under the improved system of husbandry, flax 
is not exhausting, but a highly restorative crop. 

2nd. — If sown primaril}' for the seed, the value of the crop 
is equal to the average value of wheat, barley, and oats. 

3rd. Under experienced management in every department, 
the crop is worth more than wheat. 

4th. — Flax will grow upon any soils that produce corn, and 
upon soils where corn will not grow at all. 

5th. — The plant will flourish after any crop, turnips excepted, 
and probably carrots or mangel-wurzel. 

6th. — Flax has been grown upon my farm during the past 



310 



PRINCIPLES INVOLVED IN 



six years in the following rotations, viz . : clover, stubble, flax, 
wheat, barley — wheat, flax, wheat, barley — wheat, barley, flax, 
barley — potatoes, flax, turnips, wheat — wheat, potatoes, flax, 
turnips the same year, barley — and so on, the improvement in 
each field being distinguishable. 

7th. — This year I have sown already four acres and a half, 
upon clover stubble ; one acre after barley, instead of turnips ; 
three-quarters of an acre that never produced anything save 
briars and thorns ; and three acres, the previous crops having 
been flax, wheat, and barley.* 

8th. — I have now six fields of wheat growing, the most luxu- 
riant of which is that after flax, and even superior to any in the 
parish. 

9th. — When wheat follows flax, much less seed is required. 

10th. — One acre sown with flax to every hundred now under 
tillage, would produce at least 35,000 tons of linseed more 
than ever were imported of oil-cake in one year ; afford employ- 
ment for double the present redundant population ; and not 
then supply half the demand for the fibre. 

From observation and some experience, I am of opinion that 
clay land, such as is now allowed to lie fallow, would produce 
abundant crops of wheat and flax, much longer than any other 
rotation. 

I could adduce many additional facts in refutation of former 
prejudices against the flax crop, and in favour of its immediate 
adoption in every agricultural district throughout the kingdom. 

Two fundamental principles are involved in this important 
question : — 

1st. — The successful cultivation of the plant depends upon 

* The experiment upon the three-quarters of an acre failed completely ; all 
the plants died off when scarcely two inches high, while those on either side, 
upon land that had been some time reclaimed, arrived at maturity. 

The three acres are again sown with flax and wheat, therefore the rotation 
now (1847) stands thus: Flax, wheat, barley, flax, wheat, on one part of the 
field ; on the other, flax, wheat, barley, flax, flax. The former looks admirably 
at the present time, the latter not yet apparent. Soil light, fairly dressed 
with box-manure, and very clean. Next year the crops are intended to be re- 
versed. My object in making these experiments is to show that flax is a 
meliorating, not an exhausting crop, may be introduced with advantage upon 
lands congenial to the growth of turnips, and supersede the idle fallow. 



THE QUESTION OF FLAX CULTURE. 



311 



the preservation of the seed— a point hitherto not recognised 
either by the theory or practice of past or present times. 

2nd. — The national introduction of the crop can only be 
achieved through the exercise of patriotism. On this ground 
alone, I hold myself in readiness to co-operate with any parties, 
regardless of every private consideration. 

I am, Sir, 

Your obedient Servant, 

John Warnes. 

Golden Cross, Chariny Cross, 
April ^rd, 1846. 

Without animal-manure for the land, and employment for 
the people, it is impossible for agriculture to prosper. These 
the flax crop will supply in an eminent degree, if properly 
introduced : and I doubt not that the average produce of the 
kingdom in corn and meat would be increased three or four 
fold in a very few years. 

The value of manure obtained through my system, may be 
discovered on comparison with artificial applications; the 
latter being seldom of use beyond twelve months, while the 
efficacy of the former is perceptible for three or four years. 
Were islands of guano imported, the necessity of resorting to 
native resources for manure could not be obviated. The more 
this subject is investigated, the more clearly it will be seen 
that the order of Providence has placed within the reach of 
every farmer the means of re-production, without recourse to 
foreigners either for food for his cattle or manure for his land. 
The only obstacle centres in the fear of trouble, that bane to 
agricultural improvement ! 

Did we live in an age of miracles, a greater evil could not 
be inflicted than the power of obtaining provisions without 
trouble, labour, and expense. Hence, were it possible that all 
crops could be produced at the cost of a few pence per acre, 
according to the agricultural certificates of Mr. Bickes, now 
in London, a discovery more fatal to the nation could not have 
been made ; for what farmer would trouble himself to breed. 



312 



A.11T1FIC1AL MANURE. 



rear, or fatten cattle ? ! ! the expense of cartage upon the 
manure alone being infinitely greater than for the specifics 
proposed by the above-named foreigner. 

The time has arrived when the scientific agriculturist must 
distinguish between the shadow and the substance; and no 
longer be guided by theory in opposition to experience. Every 
obstacle to good husbandry ought to be removed; monopoly 
and mystery abolished ; and the wide field of knowledge opened 
to all without money and without price. The strong should 
help the w^eak, the wise instruct the ignorant, in order that far- 
mers may be enabled to stir up the latent resources of the soil, 
and obtain a per centage upon the money employed through 
increased production. 

In the best cultivated districts there are no regular plans for 
ensuring, throughout the year, an independent and adequate 
supply of cattle-food and manure ; a defect which the system 
embodied in this work is designed to remedy. 

The extraordinary facilities afforded for the purchase of 
artificial manures are only encoui agements to sloth and extra- 
vagance. One tailor docs not employ another to make his 
clothes ; neither should our fields be dressed through the 
medium of manure companies. 

The annual cost for agricultural nostrums is infinitely 
beneath the loss by fallows, and by the waste upon farms. 
Were the former sowed with linseed, and the latter obviated, 
the necessity for purchasing manure would be avoided, and the 
soil permanently improved. Let the reader calculate, if pos- 
sible, the difference between a hundred acres of land lying idle, 
subjected to rent, rates, and tillage, and a hundred acres sown 
with flax. For my own part, I am unequal to the task, so 
innumerable are the ramifications of advantage in favour of the 
latter. 

During the Rebecca-riots, I often expressed, to my corre- 
spondents in Wales, an opinion that the box-feeding system 
would abolish more toll-bars than the carters of lime ; because 
farmers would obtain a sufficient supply of manure without 
recourse to the kiln ; and thus render unnecessary the payment 
of toll, - 3 -. f 



MR. XICHOLLS ON FLAX CULTURE. 



313 



I cannot therefore conceal my gratification at being informed 
a few days since, by Mr. Walter T. Jones of Cefu Reig, 
Merionethshire, that he intended to have my work translated 
into the Welsh language immediately ; an undertaking 
which, aided by the patriotic exertions of Mr, Purchas of 
Pilstone, will open a new agricultural era to that neglected 
principality. 

Ireland, also, will now learn the intrinsic value of the flax 
crop. For, although competition may reduce the price of the 
fibre, her farmers will receive an ample compensation through 
the fattening properties of the seed. 

By the introduction of the improved system of managing 
flax, Scotland would derive the greatest advantages ; of which 
the rearers of cattle wdll be large participators. To them a 
supply of native linseed must prove a benefit that cannot be 
duly estimated. Because they will be enabled to retain at 
least the condition of their cattle through the winter, and to 
secure an abundance of eflicacious manure. I refer to my 
letter on the Use of Linseed (p. 142). 

But wherever flax-culture is extensively introduced, there 
the rates will be found lightest^ and the condition of the 
people happiest. 

Travellers in Ireland never fail to notice the comparative 
comfort of the poor in those districts where flax is cultivated 
and where it is not. 

George NichoUs, Esq., one of the Poor Law Commis- 
sioners, in his very useful book entitled ^ The Farmer,' 
says, Can we doubt that what has thus been done in 
Ireland ought also to be done in England? The soil 
and the climate are at least as favourable for the growth 
of flax here as they are there, or as they are in either 
HoUand or Belgium. Instructors may readily be obtained 
from either of these countries, or persons might be sent from 
hence to leam the various processes, and on their return they 
might impart instruction to others. The result w^ould, I am 
confident, amply repay the outlay by the benefits it icould confer, 
and the art, once acquired, would not be in danger of being 
lost. * * * * X have seen flax growing on mere bog in 



314 



SIR R. PEEL AND THE FLAX SOCIETY. 



Ireland. The general introduction of the crop in England 
would constitute a new and most valuable element in the rota- 
tion, and would enable the farmer to vary and extend his 
successions, which is in itself a highly important consideration. 
* * * It may be safely asserted, therefore, that a flax- 
crop rightly managed is not only valuable as affording increased 
means of employment for our agricultural population, and 
highly profitable for the purposes of the manufacturer, and for 
the feeding of cattle, but that it moreover returns to the soiL 
in the shape of manure, as much, if not more, than any of the 
grain- crops." 

It is only within the last few weeks that I had the good 
fortune to become acquainted with Mr. Nicholls and his writ- 
ings. But, though short the time, abundant evidence has been 
aff'orded me of the soundness and benevolence of his views ; 
his constant aim being the advancement of the condition of 
the poor. That gentleman's endeavour to introduce the sub- 
ject to influential parties must eventually be attended with 
success. 

I lay down my pen, therefore, rejoicing in the bright prospect 
now open to my country, and assured that the cause no longer 
rests upon my feeble advocacy, but, I repeat, "Upon the 
thinking and intelligent part of the community ; upon minds 
that perceive the vastness of the undertaking, and are willing 
to lend their powerful aid in carrying it out.'* 

While occupied in correcting the press for this part of my 
work, I received the ' Northern Whig ' from Ireland, contain- 
ing the following letter, which powerfully confirms the correct- 
ness of my conclusions. 

London, April 8th, 1846. 

Treasury, ^th March, 1846. 

« Sir, 

I am desired by Sir Robert Peel to inform you, that 
he has read, with attention and great pleasure, the Reports of 
the Society for Promoting and Improving the Culture of Flax 
in Ireland. He trusts that the efforts directed to so laudable 
and important an object will meet with ample success, and 



AL'THOR AT VARIOUS MEETINGS. 315 

begs leave to send a donation of 25/., with his best wishes for 
the welfare of the Society. 

" I have the honour to be. 

Your obedient humble Servant, 

John Young. 

" James McAdam, Jan., Esq,, 

Secretary to the Flax Society, Sfc, 



Golden Cross Hotel, Charing Cross, London, 
March \st, 1847. 

During the eleven months that have passed since the above 
remarks were written, several interesting circumstances in 
favour of the flax cause have transpired, which I here offer as 
a valuable appendage to this edition. 

In the Introduction I referred to a visit that Mr. NichoUs, 
Poor Law Commissioner, paid me in July last, for the purpose 
of instituting a critical inquiry into the subjects of this book. 
All that I am at liberty now to state is, that his impressions 
were most favourable, and will shortly be made know^n to the 
public. Sir John Walsham, an Assistant Commissioner, had 
preceded Mr. NichoUs ; and I am happy in being able to refer 
the inquirer to such authorities. 

These gentlemen were followed by a succession of visiters 
from distant counties, at whose solicitations I attended agri- 
cultural meetings at Newcastle, Peterborough, Whittlesea, 
Northampton, Devizes, Gloucester, Bedford, and Huntingdon. 
I also received several other invitations, which the want of time 
compelled me to refuse. 

I have, however, engaged to attend a flax meeting at Mon- 
mouth on the 1st of next month, the day preceding the assizes. 
The Marquis of Worcester is expected on that occasion to 
preside over a large and influential meeting. 

In Aberdeenshire the culture of flax is being system- 
atically introduced. The Scotch and Highland Agricultural 



316 



PRIZE PROPOSED FOR AN ESSAY ON FLAX. 



Associations have also taken the subject into consideration ; 
and even the Royal Agricultural Society of England has 
offered a prize of 20Z. for the best Essay on Flax ; a prize to 
which the Marquis of Downshire has promised to add 30/., 
thus conveying at once his own opinion of the importance of 
the subject and a refined reproof to the Council at Hanover 
Square for their ill-timed parsimony. 

My views of patriotism forbid me, upon any occasion, to 
enter the lists with prize-writers; otherwise 1 should have 
been anxious to know who were to be the judges of a subject 
upon which there is not one man in England, at the present 
time, competent to decide. 

Without a practical knowledge of the improved system of 
management, the most fatal errors are likely to be disseminated, 
individuals injured, and a good cause retarded. For instance, 
I lately saw an extract from a widely circulated treatise, 
recommending the sowing of flax after turnips ; than which a 
worse rotation could not have been proposed. This error, and 
many others connected with the old system, can of course only 
be detected by parties versed in the new ; nor can they be 
remedied by theoretical disquisitions of any kind, experience 
being the only guide to perfection. 

I desire to be clearly understood upon these points; for, 
though I have explained the art of preparing flax from my 
own experience, I am persuaded that it is impossible for ama- 
teurs to follow the directions with success. Whereas, an un- 
lettered boy from my scutching-house could afford more inform- 
ation in one day with his hands, than could be obtained from 
the pen of the most elaborate essayist in many years. In con- 
firmation of this statement I can only say that, all my cor- 
respondents who attempted to steep and prepare flax from 
written instructions, failed. The reverse, however, is the case 
with those who follow my rules respecting the cattle-compound, 
boxes, &c. For all, without exception, appear to succeed. 

Except the information contained in the note appended to 
the 16th number of the series, relative to the use of flax-stalks 
as food for cattle, I have made no new discoveries. The above 
fact is worthy of attention, as a new light is thereby thrown 



LINSEED GOOD FOR HORSES. 



317 



upon the flax-crop, rendering it a substitute for hay when not 
deemed of sufficient value for the manufacturer. Of course I 
allude to flax too short to repay the expenses of preparation ; 
and refuse stalks under 18 inches long, such as are now being 
given in the shape of compound to my own cattle. 

When flax is in blossom, a pretty correct estimate^of its value 
can be formed. If not likely to produce a profitable descrip- 
tion of fibre, the crop, when nearly ripe^ should be mowed ; and 
except being shaken over the ground, may be turned, cocked, 
and treated in every respect like hay. The stalks will dry 
more rapidly than grass, and should be carted as soon as 
possible. 

In years of abundance, economy of food ought never to be 
lost sight of ; but, at a crisis like the present, waste, that 
might be palliated under ordinary circumstances, becomes 
highly culpable. A crisis, unparalleled in the history of the 
United Kingdom ; for what page records such scenes of starva- 
tion as are now daily witnessed in Ireland, Scotland, and in 
some counties of England ? 

The same plans which economise food for animals, must of 
necessity increase the supply for human beings. Hence this 
volume is eminently calculated to meet the present times, as 
economy lies at the foundation of my whole system. 

Were horses, both in- town and country, fed upon linseed 
according to the receipt in page 145, only using less water and 
more linseed-meal ; one-half at least of the corn now consumed 
in stables, would then find its way to the dwellings of the poor. 
In some cases three parts of the oats, in others the whole, 
might be superseded by linseed ; and expense, at the same 
time, be considerably reduced.^ 

Many opportunities have been afforded me of inspecting the 
farm-premises of the greatest and of the least men in the 
kingdom. Upon all I have invariably observed the same 
neglect of cattle -food and manure ; in quarters too where the 

* Linseed-meal, sprinkled in small quantities upon grains hot from the 
brewery and intimately incorporated with the rammer (p. 136), is excellent 
food, when mixed with chaff, for horses employed in slow work. Nor will 
this compound turn sour if properly consolidated. 



318 



CONCLUSION. 



poor are inadequately employed, fed, and clothed. Thus they 
are deprived of a sufficient supply of the three great neces- 
saries of life — viz. employment, food, and raiment, — all of 
which, I again and again repeat, may be abundantly conferred 
through the national adoption of that cause which I have so 
long espoused. 



APPENDIX. 



1 



I 



APPENDIX, 



CONTROVERSY 

ON THE 

"GOLD OF PLEASURE. 



S1E5 

I observe that several of your correspondents mistake the plant 
called Camelina sativa, or Gold of Pleasure ; and particularly Mr. 
Kimberly, in a paper read before the Royal Agricultural Society, mis- 
takes it for a kind of flax seed. Tliis seed is too well known to pur- 
chasers of Petersburg- linseed as a noxious weed, which greatly 
diminishes the weight and value of those samples in which it appears ; 
and I much regret to see English farmers wasting their energies upon 
anything so worthless. If any person doubt this assertion, let him make 
inquiry amongst the linseed brokers at Mark Lane. 

Your obedient Servant, 

A LoOKER-ON. 

Sir, 

I am very much surprised at the reasoning of a correspondent 
(signing himself " A Looker-on ") in attempting to denounce the value 
of the Gold of Pleasure. He states that the linseed brokers of Mark 
Lane consider it a " noxious weed." I can readily suppose that the 
dealers in linseed would object to its appearance in the linseed, as ren- 
dering the samples imperfect — but this circumstance no more proves 
the " worthlessness of the Gold of Pleasure," than the mixture of rye 
in a sample of wheat (a frequent occurrence in this rye-growing dis- 
trict) would prove rye worthless ; — each is good in itself, rye inferior 
to wheat in value : but a little more experience, I confidently predict, 
will prove the Gold of Pleasure to be superior to flax, in the opinion 
of the practical agriculturist. 

Yours, &c., 

Daniel Gwilt. 

Icklingham, December 14^A, 1843. 

Y 



322 



APPENDIX. 



Sir, 

The attempt to set up the Gold of Pleasure in opposition to flax 
and linseed, was to me at first a subject of considerable amusement. It 
came before me as follows : — About two years ago I received a printed 
circular headed " Gold of Pleasure," giving a long and glowing de- 
scription of its virtues, accompanied by a polite letter offering to supply 
me with a sample of the seed, and of the oil and cake extracted there- 
from. I readily accepted the offer, and by return of post a parcel ar- 
rived containing a small phial of oil, a piece of cake as hard as a stone, 
and, to my astonishment, a little of the very seed of a plant that I had 
been at much expense to eradicate from my flax, as a troublesome and 
noxious weed. My correspondent informed me that he had disposed 
of some of the seed at five shillings per lb., but he observed, " If you 
or any other person are willing to become agents for the sale of it, the 
price would be four shillings per lb,, for nine or ten coombs, with a li- 
beral allowance for agency." 

Similar samples were forwarded and proposals made to the Editor of 
the Norwich Mercury^ for at that gentleman's office I was shown the 
seed, cake, and oil, with the accompanying correspondence. 

I immediately returned samples of the seed with some of the straw 
and bolls taken from amongst my flax, with an account of my own ex- 
perience and opinion of its utter worthlessness in comparison to flax 
and linseed. 

I received a very gentlemanly answer, acknowledging the error into 
which the writer had been led, through the ignorant representation of 
a friend. I confess that I perused the circular in question with unusual 
care, well weighing the importance of a crop which, ere long, was to 
take that place in the agricultural world, to which, by its high merit, it 
was so justly entitled." I then, with pen and ink, worked out the follow- 
ing question, founded on the assertion that " the produce will mostly 
be very abundant, as high as 35 to 45 bushels per acre :" — If an acre of 
land will produce 40 bushels of seed, weighing " 56 lbs. per bushel," 
what will be the value of the crop at five shillings per lb. ? Answer, 
560/. sterling. I involuntarily grasped the quill in my hand, fancying 
I at last had caught " the Goose that laid the Golden Eggs." So un- 
willing was I to let her go, that I consulted living Botanists, and the 
writings of those long since dead, as to the intrinsic value of the seed 
in question. From every authority I received the anti-pleasurable assu- 
rance that it really was the pen, and not the goose, I held so firmly. 
The limits of a letter will not admit of numerous quotations ; let one 
suffice from Smith's English Flora, Vol. III. p. 164, under the head 
Camelina sativa, or Gold of Pleasure : — " The ridiculous pompous 
English name seems a satire on the article of which it is composed, as 
yielding nothing but disappointment." 



QUALITIES OF THE GOLD OF PLEASURE. 



323 



It may be asked, have you no further authority, from your own ex- 
perience, for denouncing the Gold of Pleasure, than that of its acci- 
dental growth amongst your flax ? I reply, last spring I appropriated 
a small plot of ground to its culture, and found but too much reason to 
acquiesce in Sir James Smith's exposition. 

Mr. Editor, it is far from my object unnecessarily to expose indivi- 
duals to ridicule, because intermixed with artful and designing men 
are many who, from want of experience of those things which they 
advocate, unintentionally lead the anxious inquirer into the adoptioh 
of fruitless schemes. To this number your correspondent, Mr. Gwilt, 
appears to belong. For in his letter of the 14th inst. he observes, a 
little more experience, I confidently predict, will prove the Gold of 
Pleasure to he superior to flax, in the opinion of the practical agricul 
turist." Of Mr. Taylor, another of your correspondents, I have more 
reason to complain, because he has taken extracts, nearly verbatim, 
from my published statements and receipts for fattening cattle ; dis- 
placing linseed for the Gold of Pleasure, and offering his mixture as a 
substitute for linseed compound. Also, Mr. Taylor underrates the 
produce of linseed per acre, which, instead of 16, averages, even on 
very ordinary lands, from 20 to 26 bushels per acre ; indeed, in several 
instances, the value of the crops exceeded that of the land. He, how- 
ever, reminds the reader that " when the price of corn is very low 
and cheerless, the Gold of Pleasure will never fail to produce the gold 
with pleasure and with abundance the seed to be had opposite the 
ominous Polytechnic Institution, price fifteen pence per lb. What a 
reduction ! and yet at that rate the acreable value still amounts to 1 40/., 
besides an abundance of chaff for horses, manure, and the manufac- 
ture of whity-brown paper." I say ominous, because Polytechnic, 
meaning many arts, is ominous of the many designs to which the farmer 
is exposed. 

Let me, then, warn him against the dangerous Scylla and Charybdis 
in Regent Street, and caution him lo pursue the straightforward course 
to Mark Lane, where factors many will offer him the noxious " Gold 
of Pleasure " at about three farthings per lb., or perhaps for the 
trouble of sifting it from foreign linseed, in which it abounds ; noxious 
on account of its unpalatable flavour and mal-adaptation to the fattening 
of cattle. 

Mr. Skirving, the eminent horticulturist of Walton, assured me that 
he had sown some of the Gold of Pleasure this year, and found it the 
rankest weed imaginable. 

I was informed only yesterday, by two Belgians, that in their 
country the stalks of this plant were used for brooms, the oil for lamps, 
and the cake for manure, but never for an article of food. 

How indiscreet, then, the attempt to foist upon the country a per- 

Y 2 



324 



APPENDIX. 



nicioiis weed in opposition to the inestimable flax-plant ! — inestimable, 
because its acreable value exceeds that of any other crop ; inestimable, 
because the fibre is convertible to the most useful, as well as the most 
costly, articles of wearing apparel ; inestimable, because it affords more 
employment than any other production of the earth ; inestimable, 
because of the seed, which produces a valuable oil, a superior cake to 
fatten bullocks, and forms the principal ingredient of the incomparable 
cattle-compound. 

Again, how careful ought gentlemen to be who canter their specula- 
tive "hobbies" after pleas?irable pursuits, lest they instigate others to 
gallop after phantoms that only allure them into fatal mistakes. 

Reprehensible, too, is the man who ventures to recommend plans for 
public adoption of which he has not made full proof from often repeated 
experiments. " Lofty and incomprehensible theories have been too 
long obtruded upon the agricultural community, to the exclusion of 
those benefits which were absolutely within their grasp. The farmer's 
attention has been directed to fattening his cattle upon foreign food, 
and to the vain attempt of enriching his land by foreign manure, in- 
stead of obtaining both from the resources of his own farm." At the 
present eventful period, British agriculture is exposed to a species of 
high treason, aided by a powerful secret conspiracy on the one hand, 
and by an over -reaching, extorting, and plundering fraternity on the 
other, to counteract which ought to be the peculiar care of the protec- 
tive agricultural societies now being established in various parts of the 
kingdom. It is my intention next week to forward No. 8 of my 
series, giving an account of the extraordinary results from summer 
grazing, and box-feeding with linseed compound, unmixed with grain 
or pulse, and showing the correctness of Mr. Fleetwood's conclusions 
over Dr. Playfair's theory of the non-flesh -making properties of olea- 
ginous seeds. I beg to observe that I shall be ready to exchange a 
line as promptly as possible, either publicly or privately, with any 
party on the above strictures. If publicly, his name and address must 
be given, or I shall not consider him entitled to a reply. 

I am. Sir, &c., 

John Warnes, Jun. 

Trimingham, Norfolk, 

Dec. 23rd, 1843. 



Sir, 

Observing a letter in your interesting journal of December 5th, 
in which a statement of mine respecting the Gold of Pleasure " is in- 
troduced, I hope that you will allow me to insert a reply in your next 
paper, to the said letter of Mr. Warnes. 

I readily admit that I am sometimes too confiding, and that my 



QUALITIES OF THE GOLD OF PLEASURE. 



325 



zeal in the cause of agricultural improvement has occasionally led me 
to speak too highly of a new discovery ; and upon no occasion have I 
been more doubted and disbelieved than in expatiating upon the ad- 
vantages likely to arise from Mr. Warnes' speculation of growing flax, 
and substituting his incomparable compound in the place of cake, for 
both of which I was an early and zealous advocate. I would not in- 
tentionally mislead any one, but as I am extremely fond of my hobby, 
I trust that I may have the pleasure of riding him quietly without any 
jostling with Mr. Warnes : and time will settle our oily contentions. 

I am sorry that Mr. Warnes should have expressed himself so illi- 
berally towards Mr. Taylor, who is a most highly respectable young 
man, a Fellow of the Linuean Society, and, I believe, a most eminent 
botanist. For his researches in botany are very extensive, and as he 
occupies some land in order that he may practically become acquainted 
with the properties of newly discovered plants, I trust that we may 
confidently look to some important acquisitions. — As to the probable 
worth of the Gold of Pleasure, I shall only state what / do know. In 
its green state it will furnish abundant food for sheep, and may be 
folded off for turnips, and if possible for seed. Turnips may on those 
follow, and a good crop obtained. It will yield an abundant crop of 
seed — affording splendid oil for lamps, and the finest machinery, having 
excellent cake and the seed compounded with barley equal and I might 
say superior to linseed. — I have fed sheep, cows, and poultry stock 
upon it with the greatest safety and satisfaction. I have had the cake 
analysed by two eminent chemists in London, and their directions con- 
firm all that I have said of its valuable properties. 

I will not trespass any further upon your columns, than merely to 
observe that I do not undervalue Mr. Warnes's most praiseworthy 
endeavours to extend the growth of Flax ; but I still think that the 
practical large farmer will not be readily brought to adopt it — as 
farmers in general dislike anything out of the usual routine of busi- 
ness, and for that reason will continue to prefer the use of oil-cake to 
Mr. W^arnes's incomparable compound, and that cake can and will be 
made, and to great advantage, from the Jiome growth of the Gold of 
Pleasure. 

Yours, &c., 

Daniel Gwilt. 

Ickliiigham^ Suffolk^ 
Feb. 2nd, 1844. 



326 



APPENDIX. 



LINSEED versus " GOLD OF PLEASURE." 
To the Editor of the Farmers' Journal, 

Sir, 

The turn that the controversy on the above subject has taken, I 
must confess, both surprises and pains me. Had I made some mon- 
strous proposition, such as the rebuilding of Babylon, or the comple- 
tion of the Tower of Babel, hundreds would have ridden their hob- 
bies" to death, to aid the vain-glorious cause. Votaries, also, by 
thousands, would have offered their "Gold" with "Pleasure" at the 
shrine of ignorance and folly. No journey would have been thought 
too long, or sacrifice too great. The noble design of finding employ- 
ment for the poor by this means, would have been lauded throughout the 
land, and difficulties would have vanished like the morning cloud or 
the early dew. But now that I point out feasible and simple plans for 
obtaining this National Desideratum, troubles are magnified, expenses 
exaggerated, and profits underrated. In vain have I travelled, written, 
spoken, during the past four years, to convince the Rev. Daniel Gwilt 
that his " early and zealous advocacy of my speculations " was founded 
on truth. Had the Rev. gentleman offered me a practical, rather than 
a verbal support, few indeed would have been the words required to 
prove the " advantages likely to arise from my speculation of growing 
flax, and of substituting the incomparable compound in the place of 
cake." 

First, he would have shown his beauteous flax-field waving in the 
wind ; next, the linseed rattling in the golden bolls ; then the bullock 
fattened in the box ; afterwards, the milk, rich from compound, and 
the butter of matchless flavour. Mr. Gwilt would have proved by 
ocular demonstration, the fund of employment that the cultivation of 
the inestimable flax-plant would ensure to the able-bodied labourer in 
,the field, and to the juvenile population in the cottage. He could also 
have pointed out the miseries that might be removed from the habita- 
tions of the poor, and the benefits that might be conferred upon the 
farmer, upon the landowner, and upon the clergy of the Established 
Church. Instead of which, allured by the glittering " Gold of Plea- 
sure," the Rev. gentleman forsook his early love, and now, supported 
by a mere *' probability," asserts that his second favourite is more 
worthy than the first. For, he observes, "As to the probable worth 
of the Gold of Pleasure, I shall only state what / do know. In its 



LINSEED VERSUS GOLD OF PLEASURE. 



327 



green state it will furnish abundant food for sheep, and may be folded 
off for turnips, and if possible for seed. Turnips may on those follow, 
and a good crop obtained. It will yield an abundant crop of seed, 
affording splendid oil for lamps, and the finest machinery, having 
excellent cake and the seed compounded with barley equal and I might 
say superior to linseed." It is difficult to define the exact meaning of 
the above sentences ; I must therefore content myself with observing, 
that, however productive the seed, the British farmer will not be 
induced to cultivate a crop for the sake of sending lamp-oil, rather 
than fat bullocks, to market. And, as Mr. Gwilt produces no fat oxen 
from the stall, or sheep from the fold, to prove that the Gold of Plea- 
sure compounded with barley is superior to linseed ; so may I justly 
claim the victory for the "incomparable cattle-compound." 

'Tis true, the Rev. gentleman may have " fed cows, sheep, and 
poultry-stock upon the Gold of Pleasure with the greatest safety and 
satisfaction" to himself; but to what extent, he has failed to commu- 
nicate ; nor is his advocacy supported by the strongest of all argu- 
ments — viz., by profit^ whereas mine has always been enforced by 
this powerful ally. Hence the success of all my recommendations ; 
for in no instance have I incurred the responsibility of promulgating 
statements that had not previously been substantiated by often repeated 
experiments. According to the account of Messrs. Gibbs, which ap- 
peared in your Journal of the 15th of Jan., Mr. Gwilt cultivated 
the plant in question eight years ago. It is strange that, during the 
whole of that period, no stronger evidence should be adduced than that 
of its having been given with " safety and satisfaction to cows, sheep, 
and poultry." No encomiums are passed upon the increased quantity 
of milk, the flavour of the butter, the improvement of the sheep, or of 
the additional number of eggs laid by the poultry. Contrasted with 
safety is danger ; I should apprehend the most dangerous consequences 
to my cattle, were they compelled to eat the nauseous Gold of Pleasure, 
as a substitute for the pure and wholesome linseed. Nauseous, because 
whoever tastes only a few grains, I am confident, will never repeat the 
dose for the sake of pleasure. It is well known that change of food 
affects both milk and butter, and also the condition of the cow. To 
prove therefore the accuracy of my "speculation," two cows should 
be placed in separate stalls ; one fed upon the Gold of Pleasure ; the 
other upon linseed, in equal proportions, prepared alike, and at the 
rate of two or three pounds per day ; the milk from each cow being, 
of course, kept by itself I venture to surmise, that, at the expiration 
of two months, the evidence of the dairy-maid and of the yard-man 
will be much in favour of linseed. Seldom more than one at a time 
is kept upon my premises, which is generally purchased with her 
calf. She is kept in a box, fed on linseed compound with the fat 



■328 



APPENDIX. 



cattle, regularly milked, and sold in about twelve months to the 
butcher. 

Linseed-meal mixed with grains is used by cow-keepers in the 
metropolis and other large towns, by which the quality of the milk is 
greatly improved. But were the Gold of Pleasure substituted, I am 
persuaded it would prove deleterious. Both from mustard and rape- 
seed a cake is produced, which I never heard was used as cattle-food, 
but always as manure. The Gold of Pleasure, being also of the Cru- 
ciferse order, partakes of the same nature; and therefore, however 
great the acreable produce, the main value must centre in its use as oil 
for lamps, and cake for land. No flax can be obtained from the stalks, 
nor fodder for cattle, more than from those of turnips, mustard, or rape- 
seed. 

. The attempt to supplant the culture of flax by the substitution of 
the Gold of Pleasure, certainly must be founded on complete ignorance 
of both. Because I cannot for a moment suppose that either the Rev. 
Daniel Gwilt, Mr. Taylor the eminent botanist, or any of these gen- 
tlemen who engaged in this controversy, are at all aware of the real 
merits of the flax plant. 

I have laboured in various ways, regardless of expense or trouble, to 
impress upon my country the importance of an extended cultivation of 
this prolific crop, wdth the view of finding that employment for the 
people, which alone can uphold a sinking empire, and revive a ruined 
population. 

The experience of every day tends to confirm my expectation that 
the great cause I advocate must ultimately prevail. 

The following extract, forwarded to me by a stranger, whilst writing 
this letter, will perhaps be considered an interesting confirmation of the 
statements and arguments which I have so repeatedly laid before the 
public : — 

" Cultivation of Flax. — By their neglect of the cultivation of 
flax, the farmers and landowners of this country have sadly overlooked 
their own interests. Flax is commonly consumed in this country to 
the amount of 67,000 tons animally, the value of which, at a low 
average, amounts to between 4,000,000Z. and 5,000,000/. sterling. 
Every pound of this raw material is imported from our industrious con- 
tinental neighbours — the French, Dutch, and Belgian farmers. * * * 
There is as good soil in England, for the cultivation of the flax-plant, as 
in Ireland, France, or Holland ; * * * farmers can, by growing flax, 
clear greater profits per acre, than they can by growing wheat and 
barley. * * * The small farmers of Ireland can now make by an acre or 
two of flax, what will pay their rent for 30 acres. This never could 
be done by six acres of grain. In the north, 112,000 acres of flax 



FLAX MEETINGS IX SUFFOLK. 



329 



were sown last year, and the calculation is that the value of the pro- 
duce, at the low price of 45/. per ton, would amount to 1,707,150/. 
At the same time, I know that some has been sold so high as 140/. per 
ton, and a great deal at 64/. and 70/. per ton." 

The above statements are either true or false. If false, they deserve 
a nation's censure ; if true, a nation's adoption. Happily I can speak 
to their correctness in every material point ; for I have in my possession 
ample proof from the parties alluded to, and from Captain Skinner, 
secretary to the Irish Flax Improvement Society. I visited Ireland 
for the purpose of inquiring into the correctness of those reports of 
which I had heard so much, and I was introduced to the most influ- 
ential parties at and around Belfast. I attended their public meetings 
and flax-markets. I saw their spinning and scutching mills, and no 
information was withheld. I have, since, not ceased to promulgate my 
views and experience. The result has been the growth of some hun- 
dred acres of flax, and the fattening of thousands of bullocks upon 
linseed. The soil and climate of this country have been proved supe- 
rior to any part of the world for the production of seed, and equal for 
that of flax. Public meetings have been convened in various parts, on 
which occasions numerous specimens of foreign and home-grown flax 
and seed were exhibited, particularly at Ipswich, in SuflPolk. To the 
latter meeting the Rev. Daniel Gwilt was invited by advertisement, of 
which the following is a copy : — 

The Ipswich and Ashbocking Farmers' Club cordially invite the 
Public to their Annual Meeting and dinner, on the Srd day of Novem- 
ber, at Ipsw^ich, when, to the customary exhibition of Farm Produce, 
Specimens of Flax and Linseed grown in Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk, and 
other counties, will be added. 

The method of Steeping and Drying Flax, of extricating the Seed 
from the Bolls, the Fibre from the Stalks, and the Spinning of Linen 
Yarn, will be practically illustrated. 

To show the various purposes to which this important plant is ap- 
plied, Flax, from the most inferior to the most costly articles of manu- 
facture, will be submitted to public inspection. 

" Arrangements will be made for the exhibition of Crushing Ma- 
chines, at work with Steam Apparatus, and Coppers for forming Lin- 
seed, Grain, Pulse, or Potatoes, into a cheap compound to fatten Cattle, 
instead of Foreign Oil-cake. 

Pattern Boxes, upon an economical construction, for Grazing Bul- 
locks, protecting them against Flies, and preserving the Manure, will 
be erected in the Show-yard. 

A variety of Agricultural Implements will be displayed, and inform- 



330 



APPENDIX. 



ation on Practical and Scientific Agriculture given, in order to render 
the meeting at once interesting, instructive, and profitable. 

" The exhibition of Machinery, &c., will be held in Mr. Chenery's 
Pasture Field, from Ten till One o'clock, during which time the pro- 
cess of making compound will be often repeated. 

The show of Flax, &c., will take place in the Temperance Hall, 
near the above field, from Twelve till Two o'clock, to which Ladies 
are respectfully invited. 

\ "At the above hour, the chair will be taken by the Eight Hon. 
Lord Rendlesham, when the propriety of forming an Association to 
advance the interests of Agriculture, through the cultivation of Flax, 
fattening Cattle upon Native Produce, Box-Feeding, and Summer 
Grazing, will be taken into consideration." 

No supporter of the Gold of Pleasure, or of " the new flax-seed," 
appeared, but agriculturists from Norfolk were present, wliose testi- 
mony induced many parties to adopt the new system of grazing — with 
what success Mr. Gwilt may learu from the Rev. J. C. Blair Warren, 
of Horkesley Hall, whose excellent letter on the subject lately appeared 
in your Journal ; or from Mr. Catt, of Whitton, Mr. King, of Shotlej^, 
and from other members of the Ipswich and Ashbocking Farmers' 
Club, upon whose premises Linseed is daily being formed into com- 
pound, and Cattle fattened in Boxes. 

Mr. Editor, in concluding this brief defence of the flax-crop, allow 
me to assure you that I entertain towards Mr. Gwilt no other feeling 
than that of respect ; and I should rejoice in the opportunity of a per- 
sonal conference on the subject of our friendly contention. The 
present controversy has aflforded me the means of more widely dissemi- 
nating the merits of a plant, for the cultivation of which greater 
facilities abound in this than in any other part of the world, and from 
which a greater amount of employment is derived than from any other 
production of the earth ; of a plant for which five millions for the 
fibre, and many millions beside for the seed, oil, and cake, are annually 
sent out of the country. The home circulation of these millions would 
be the means of raising thousands from the depth of poverty and misery. 
The home circulation of these millions would be attended with incal- 
culable advantage to the farmer and the tradesman, the landowner 
and the mercliant, the husbandman and the operative. The home 
circulation of these millions would render the whole community pros- 
perous and free. 

I invite the public to a calm and sober consideration of these facts, 
and to the overwhelming truth, that employment can alone protect us 
against the encroachments of the revolutionist, or arrest the hand of 
the incendiary. 



THE FLAX CAUSE IN SUFFOLK. 



331 



I invite the public to a close investigation of my letters, published 
in your popular Journal, and of my pamphlets. I invite the public to 
co-operate Avith the " National Association lately formed for the pur- 
pose of affording instruction and assistance in the cultivation of Flax, 
the use of the seed to fatten cattle^ box-feeding, and summer grazing, 
&c. &c." And lastly, I invite attention to the circumstance of a 
branch to the National Association having been formed in West Nor- 
folk, which is supported by the largest and most opulent agriculturists 
in the kingdom. Thus has the prediction, that extensive occupiers 
could not be induced to grow flax, already met a negative, and soon, I 
trust, their example will be followed by every farmer who desires to 
obviate the necessity of purchasing either food for his cattle or manure 
for his land. 

I am, your obedient Servant, 

John Warnes, Jun. 

Trimingham, Norfolk^ 
Feb, 16, 1844. 



332 



APPENDIX. 



HEMP. 

Next in importance to the cultivation of Flax would be that of Hemp, 
which is very largely imported into England. Nine-tenths of the whole 
quantity come from the Russians alone, who take nothing in return 
from the British Farmer. Large tracts of marshes, and lands situated 
near marshes, even in Norfolk, that bear but a scanty herbage, would 
undoubtedly produce rich crops of hemp. I insert the following 
information on the subject, with the hope that it may conduce to a 
more extensive growth of this highly productive and valuable plant in 
England. 

Hemp, or Canabis sativa, is an annual plant, usually rising to the 
height of five or six feet. In some situations it is, however, capable of 
attaining to a much larger growth. The flowers and fruit grow upon 
separate plants. Those bearing the flowers are called male hemp ; 
those bearing the fruit or seed, the female. The fruit grows in great 
abundance on the stem of the female hemp. Tiiis seed is not preceded 
by any corolla : a membranaceous hairy calyx, terminating in long 
points, encloses the pistil, the base of which becomes the seed. 

The male is quicker in its growth than the female, and generally 
rises half a foot higher, by which provision of nature the farina from 
the stamina, or the fecundating dust which conveys fertility to the 
seed, is readily shed on the lower plant. 

Most soils may be made fit by good manuring for the cultivation of 
hemp, but rich moist earth is considered the most favourable to its 
growth. It seldom thrives on a stiff" clay soil. A poor land will 
yield but a scanty crop, the quality, however, will be proportionably 
finer ; while a strong rich land produces a greater quantity, but this 
will be coarse. Cultivators are therefore regulated in their choice of 
soil by the description of hemp which they wish to raise. 

In Lincolnshire, where strong and heavy hemp is grown, the hemp- 
g-ardens are small, and near the houses of the growers. These gardens 
absorb vast quantities of manure, and produce hemp every year, with- 
out any alternation of the crop, or any change except that, in years 
when the hemp is pulled early, a few turnips are sown for a stubble 
crop. When the hemp is required for cordage, it should be sown in 
drills, as a stronger and coarser fibre will be produced. 

When it is wanted for purposes of weaving, then broad-cast is the 
best method, as the stems rise more slender and fine in proportion to 
their proximity, provided they are not so near to each other as to choke 



CULTIVATION OF HEMP. 



333 



and impede the growth : there should never be a smaller interval than 
a foot between each plant. Three bushels of seed is the ordinary- 
allowance for an acre, when sown broad-cast, this quantity being more 
or less, according to circumstances- If sown in drills, a bushel and a 
half is found sufficient. After the seed has been sown, great vigilance 
is required to keep off the birds. After this period, the hemp-ground 
requires very little care or labour till it is fit for pulling. This plant 
is never overrun with weeds^ but, on the contrary, has the remarkable 
property of destroying their vegetation. 

Agriculturists sometimes take advantage of this well-known fact, 
and by sowing a crop or two of hemp on the rankest soils, they subdue 
all noxious weeds and entirely cleanse the ground from these trouble- 
some intruders. The male hemp comes to maturity three weeks or a 
month earlier than the female. It is known to be ripe by the flowers 
fading, the farina falling, and the stems turning partially yellow. 
This period is usually about thirteen or fourteen weeks after sowing. 
It is the frequent practice to pull these before they are quite ripe, for 
after having arrived at their full maturity, the fibres adhere so tena- 
ciously to the reed as not to be readily separated without injury. The 
Suffolk cultivators gather both male and female plants at the same time, 
reserving a small part for seed. In Lincolnshire and on the Continent, 
they gather the male plant a month earlier than the female, and there- 
fore small paths are made at intervals through the field, in order that 
the persons employed may pluck the plants which are ripe without 
trampling down those which are to remain. 

The ripeness of the female hemp is known by the same indications 
as that of the male, and also by the calyx partially opening and its 
seed beginning to change colour. They are both less injured by pull- 
ing too soon than too late, but when very young, though the fibres 
are more flexible and fine, the ropes which are made with them are 
found not to be so lasting as when the plants are gathered in a more ma- 
tured state. Hemp is never suffered to remain ungathered till the seed is 
perfectly ripe, as at this period the bark becomes woody, and so coarse 
that no subsequent process can reduce its fibres to a proper degree of 
fineness. Some plants should therefore be preserved for seed. These 
require no particular cultivation ; but the male hemp is likewise left 
rather longer than usual, that it may attain to maturity, and shed its 
farina upon the seed-bearing plant. Forty plants raised in the com- 
mon way yielded only a pound and a half of seed, whereas from a 
single plant which grew by itself seven pounds and a half were ob- 
tained. 

When the hemp is pulled it is taken up by the roots, and, before the 
plants are taken from the field, the leaves and flowers, and sometimes 
the roots, are taken off with a wooden sword ; these are left on the ground. 



334 



APPENDIX. 



as they greatly contribute to enrich it for the succeeding crop. The 
stalks are then arranged as nearly as possible in equal lengths, the root 
ends being all laid on the same side of each handful or bundle, which 
is then tied round with one of the stalks. 

When the hemp is gathered from which seed is to be preserved, it 
is exposed eight or ten days to the air, after which the heads are cut off 
and the seed threshed and separated in the same manner as linseed. 
The processes to which the hemp is subjected before it is rendered 
marketable, and in a state fit for spinning, are very similar to those 
practised with flax. The same end is required to be attained — that 
of separating and cleansing the fibres from the woody and gummy matters 
which adhere to them, and the means used are therefore the same, the 
time and degree of each operation being proportionate to the different 
nature of the two fibres. 

The heckles used for hemp are somewhat coarser than those for flax. 
The t6eth of the coarsest are usually about an inch in circumference 
at bottom, diminishing gradually to a sharp point, and they are set 
about two inches apart from each other. The produce of an acre of 
land sown with this plant usually averages from four to five hundred- 
weight of cleansed hemp, and from sixteen to twenty-four bushels of 
seed. The culture of hemp is considered to be very profitable, and there- 
fore, as we have observed when treating of flax, many attempts have 
been made to encourage its further growth in England ; but a great 
prejudice formerly existed against this crop, and it was supposed to 
exhaust the land to such a degree, that many landowners inserted in 
the leases granted to their tenants covenants prohibiting its culti- 
vation. 

But under our present improved system of husbandry, and particu- 
larly with reference to the seed when made into compound, upon 
the same principle as linseed, to fatten cattle, its deteriorating effects 
would be entirely obviated. Hemp -seed affords a very useful oil, 
similar in its qualities to linseed, and also cake, which is largely im- 
ported, with the refuse of other oleaginous plants, roots, and nuts, 
and sold to the farmers of this country under the new-fashioned name 
of feed- cake. 



REPORT OF THE FLAX SOCIETY. 



335 



FIEST ANNUAL EEPORT OF THE NATIONAL FLAX AND AGRI- 
CULTURAL LMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, READ BY MR. FAR- 
ROW, HONORARY SECRETARY TO THE IPSWICH BRANCH, IN 
THE TEMPERANCE HALL OF THAT TOWN, ON FRIDAY, THE 
6th of DECEMBER, 1844. PRESIDENT,— THE RIGHT HON. LORD 
RENDLESHAM. 

In offering the First Report of this Association, your committee would 
have to lament the general failure of the flax crop of the present year, 
were it not for the reflection that the failure itself was attributable 
solely to a dispensation of Providence, manifested in the protracted 
drought ; solely, because in the preceding year several hundred acres 
of flax were grown in Norfolk, Sufl'olk, and other counties, which, 
from the continued rain, were, in most instances, too luxuriant. 
Taking, therefore, into account the superabundance of rain on the one 
hand, and the total want of it at the proper time on the other, it may 
reasonably be assumed that, upon the average of seasons, the soil and 
climate of England are well adapted to the growth of the important flax 
plant. 

But in lamenting the loss of the fibre on account of the employment 
that it would have afforded, there is at least some cause for congratula- 
tion on account of the quantity and quality of linseed preserved ; 
a circumstance of vast importance to the undertaking, seeing that, 
under present inexperience, the growers must^mainly depend upon the 
seed for remuneration. 

However divided opinions may be as to the establishment of flax 
culture through the fibre alone, the seed alone, or both, the advocates 
have abundant cause to exult in the fact, that linseed compounds are 
rapidly superseding foreign oil-cake to fatten cattle ; and that the sys- 
tem of box-feeding and summer-grazing is gradually extending in 
Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Dorsetshire, and other counties, ensuring a 
regular demand for linseed, such as will render it incumbent upon, if 
not absolutely necessary for the British farmer, to supply from his own 
resources. And as the seed cannot be obtained without the fibre, so 
must the double crop be secured ; the linseed being^^laced to the far- 
mer's account for fattening his cattle, and the fibre in juxta-position 
with an unemployed population. Whether this fibre shall be used as 
litter, and converted into manure, or appropriated to the employment 
of the population, must be left to the common sense of the nation to 
decide; remembering that in 1840 alone 1,253,240 cwt. of flax were 
imported from Russia, Denmark, Prussia, Germany, Holland, Belgium, 



336 



APPENDIX. 



France, Italy, Turkey, Gribraltar, Egypt, and Guernsey — that is to 
say, in 

YEARS. TONS. 

1840 . . . . . 62,662 

1841 ..... 67,368 

1842 ..... 55,113 

1843 . . . . . 62,662 
Remembering also that between five and six millions were each year 
expended with foreigners for the raw material, which we, this day, give 
you ocular proof can be grown and prepared at home. 

Management during the past Year. 

In order to obtain the most accurate information respecting the 
treatment of the soil for receiving the seed, and the various processes 
for securing the crop, and for the preparation of the stalks, Mr. Brown 
an experienced flax-grower of Norfolk, was engaged by the IpsNvich 
Branch to afford practical instruction in the sowing department ; Mon- 
sieur Francis, from Belgium, in that of harvesting the crop, and of 
preparing the fibre ; and Hugh Elliot, from Ireland, as a general 
working assistant ; the result of whose services is placed before you 
this day, as an earnest of future prospects : for if so much can be pro- 
duced from an unfavourable season, greater benefits must arise from 
seasons more congenial. 

The mangement of the soil and treatment of the crop in Norfolk 
being now generally understood, as the specimens upon the table bear 
ample testimony, one assistant only, Kobert Twining, from Ireland, 
was engaged by the branches in that county. Several hundreds of men, 
women, and children, were employed during the busy seasons for 
managing the flax-stalks ; many of whom, through the above-named 
instructors, are in some degree able to become teachers themselves in 
the various processes connected with pulling, stocking, tying, stacking, 
threshing, dressing, steeping, grassing, sorting, breaking, scutching, 
scraping, &c. &c. And here the attention of the philanthropist is 
directed to the fact, that of the persons so employed, by far the major 
part consisted of the weaker hands ; and that some hundreds of pounds 
were circulated amongst such persons as w^ould otherwise have earned 
nothing. 

Saving the Seed. 
Those prejudices so long entertained in favour of steeping flax with 
the bolls, your committee have the satisfaction of proving, by the 
numerous specimens produced this day, were founded upon ignorance 
of the proper management of the plant ; an opinion which is confirmed 



LINSEED IN NORFOLK, SUFFOLK, AND ESSEX. 



337 



by the following extract from the recent Report of the Irish Flax Im- 
provement Association : — 

" A prejudice had formerly prevailed against saving the seed, from 
an idea that it would injure the quality of the fibre. But almost every- 
where through the country, this season, a large portion has been saved, 
and the flax has not been at all deteriorated. From fully one-sixth of 
the present crop the seed has been saved, and either used for feeding or 
sold for the oil-mills ; the total value of which cannot be estimated at 
less than from 60 to 80,000 pounds. It is believed that in a few years 
all the seed of the Irish flax crop will be saved, and an addition thus 
made to the resources of the country amounting to nearly half a million 
per annum." , 

The produce of seed in the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex, 
exceeds any accounts extant, as the 32 bushels per acre, grown by Mr. 
Negus of Crimplesham, near Downham, Norfolk ; with the crops of 
the Rev. T. C. Blair Warren, of Horkesley Hall ; Mr. Piearson, of 
Framlingham ; Mr. Bear, of Paston, &c., varying from 20 to 29 
bushels per acre, most clearly demonstrate. In closing this part of 
their Report, your Committee refer to the above facts as indisputable 
* evidences that both seed and fibre can be profitably secured ; and that 
the contrary opinion, at least under the improved system, is nothing 
more than idle prejudice. 

The exhausting effects of the Crop, 

Or rather, your Committee would say, the restorative ; for notwith- 
standing the outcry of its deteriorating effects upon land, the multitu- 
dinous instances to the contrary prove, that by a judicious introduction 
into the rotation of crops, flax improves the soil ; and that tales from 
ancient writers upon this point tend only to deceive, as the following 
circumstance clearly corroborates : — Several members of the North 
"Walsham Farmers' Club entered into a sweepstakes to produce, on the 
19th of December, the greatest weight of turnips from a given quantity 
of land, without regard to soil or rotation. Mr. Playford, of North 
Repps, selected a field that had produced an abundant crop of flax and 
linseed the previous year, and exceeded the highest weight of his com- 
petitors by 4 tons 15 cwt. Again, Mr. Atkinson, of Walcot, sold an 
acre of flax and seed for 13^. 7^. 6d. last year, and in the present had 
64 bushels of barley from the same acre, without the application of 
manure. But the soundness of the above remarks will be seen by a 
comparison between flax and corn ; the straw only of the latter 
being returned to the soil ; while the seed of the former, being con- 
sumed by cattle, is diff'used over the whole farm in the shape of manure. 



MACHINERY. 



339 



Nor ought the chaff from the bolls and broken stalks from the fibre to 
be lost sight of, as they may be fairly set against the straw and chaff of 
other crops. 

Machinery, 

Through the instrumentality of the National Association your Com- 
mittee have the gratification of recording the introduction of the first 
flax-scutching mill into England, and at the same time, of the first 
portable one into the world, and also a breaking-machine, which are 
described in the following extract from the Norwich papers : — 

" Flax. — The exhibition of the scutching-mill and breaking-machine 
at Aylsham, last week, was numerously attended by gentlemen who 
take an interest in the cultivation and manufacture of this important 
plant. The mill resembles a small caravan or show, on opening the 
doors of which three recesses, not unlike sentry-boxes, are seen. These 
are formed for the men to stand in while at work, and for their protec- 
tion from the action of the swingle?, which, being placed upon an iron 
axle and set in motion, strike the flax at the rate of about twelve hun- 




Fl;ix- breaking ]\Iachine, 

z 2 



340 



APPENDIX. 



dred times in a minute, tlie flax being held over boards placed perpendi- 
cularly and attached to the frame work. The breaker consists of four 
pairs of fluted rollers, placed upon a strong frame of wood. To these 
cogged \vheels are fixed, which, being attached by a rigger and strap to 
the axle of the scutching-mill, are set in motion by the same power. 
Through the flutes of the rollers, which revolve into each other, the 
flax is passed in small handfuls. The woody part is thus loosened from 
the fibre, and prepared for the scutching mill. The machines were 
worked by horses, but can be attached to water-mills, &c., or propelled 
by manual labour. The mechanism of both is simple, but the execution 
considerable. The Rev. James Bulvver kindly allowed the use of his 
barn, near the town, for the exhibition. At ten o clock the operations 
commenced, and continued to attract attention till three. The trial was 
made with four sorts of flax. The first, very fine, grown by Mr. H. 
Soames, of Aylsham ; the second, by the Right Hon. Lord Hastings ; 
the third, by Mr. Smith, of Gunton ; and the fourth, by Robert 
Marsham, Esq., of Stratton Strawless. The only stalks tested by time 
were two stones sent by Lord Hastings, which were broken in less than 
two minutes, and scutched in seventeen. The mill was made by Mr. 
Dyball, of North Walsham, and the breaker by Mr. Cubitt, iron- 
founder, of the same place, under the personal superintendence of Mr. 
Warnes, who has thus improved upon the machinery which he in- 
spected in Ireland, and evinced his unabated perseverance in the promotion 
of a cause which, if once established, must indisputably advance the 
agriculture and home commerce of this country." 

The diflSculty of obtaining funds to defray the expenses of hand- 
scutching by novices, suggested the idea of procuring machinery. A 
deputation was, in consequence, sent to Ireland to inspect the flax- 
mills of that country, which resulted in the construction of the machines 
to which allusion has just been made. How far their establishment in 
England may be rendered permanent, it is impossible to predict. But 
one circumstance is worthy of notice, viz. — that an application has al- 
ready been made by the Irish Flax Improvement Society, for the di- 
mensions and other particulars of the portable scutching-mill. We may 
therefore fearlessly foretell the great utility of such machines in the 
North of Ireland, where complaints are loud against the imperfect 
management of flax at the stationary mills ; and also to the South, 
where the farmers are incapacitated for growing flax, by reason of 
having no mills to prepare the fibre for market. To the Flax Improve- 
ment Society of Ireland we are deeply indebted for our present ad- 
vancement. The National Association would therefore rejoice, should 
the plan of our mill prove, in any degree, a return for favours often 
received. 



MACHINERY. 



341 




Scutching-mill ready for Travelling. 



Hand-scutching. 

By the introduction of machinery, the Association is far from de- 
siring to supplant the original design of dressing flax by hand : for 
they are of opinion that the finer descriptions of flax ought not to be 
submitted to the operation of the mill, and strongly recommend the 
formation of schools for the instruction of youths in the art of hand- 
scutching, sorting, and general management of the crop, at the Ipswich 
and other depots connected with our Association. 

Hand-spinning, 

In the desire to promote the spinning of linen yarn, no idea is enter- 
tained of successful competition with flax -spinning mills ; the object 
being simply to introduce the wheel into Schools, Orphan Asylums, 
Magdalen Institutions, and amongst that part of our population which 
would earn nothing through any other means. For instance, the yarii 
spun by the child of seven years — by a blind woman — and that, now in 
the form of linen, by the children of fishermen, are all evidences of the 
utility of spinning, when, by reason of age, infirmity, and other causes, 
the parties would have been otherwise incapable of contributing towards 
their own maintenance. 

But with respect to those finer qualities of hand-spun yarn for which 
our manufacturers of lace, muslin, lawn, cambric, &c. &c., pay many 
thousands every year to foreigners, and which, it is believed, from the 
peculiar nature of the fibre, that no machinery will ever be able to su- 
persede — a wider field, for the establishment of a lucrative branch of 
business, is open. The Irish have already turned their attention to 
this point, are giving prizes for the best yarns, and establishing spin- 
ning schools, in one of which, under the patronage of Mr. Macartney, 
of Lissanore Castle, or Mr. Birknell, agent to the Mercers' Company, 



342 



APPENDIX. 



twenty young women are now preparing to become teachers. Of these 
interesting accounts, the beautiful specimens of fine yarn before us, 
sent from the Sister Island, are confirmatory. 

Information disseminated. 

Every possible assistance has been afforded to the growers of flax 
during the past year, through the personal attendance of the Belgian 
and other competent instructors, as well as by the circulation of printed 
directions for the management of both seed and stalks. A copy of the 
extracts from ancient and modern authors on the flax crop, affording 
more information in a condensed form than could be obtained from any 
other work extant, was forwarded to each member of the National 
Association. This pamphlet was published at the request of the Right 
Hon. Lord Hastings, President of tlie West Norfolk branch ; and when 
the remaining copies are sold, the expenses of printing to our Associ- 
ation will be trifling. The increasing spirit of inquiry respecting the 
operations of your Society is evinced by the sale of, and demand for, 
new editions of the Honorary Secretary's Works on the Cultivation 
of Flax, the Fattening of Cattle upon Native Produce, Box-feeding, 
and Summer-grazing. The numerous inquiries from distant counties 
have all been answered by the public and private letters of our Hono- 
rary Secretary, by the correspondence of the Honorary Secretaries to 
the branches, and by the visits of Mr. Brown, especially into Oxford- 
shire, the cost of which are not placed to the account of the National 
Association. 

Factorship. 

Your Committee are of opinion that the establishment of District 
Depots for the reception and preparation of the growers' flax-stalks un- 
der the control of Societies, would tend greatly to the permanent intro- 
duction of the crop. But when it is remembered that they must at first 
be mainly conducted by foreign instructors, the prospect of affording 
satisfaction to all parties would be doubtful. They are therefore dis- 
posed to think that the formation of a Joint Stock Company, with 
branches attached, to purchase the crops, would be the more effectual 
expedient. 

That our wealthy spinners would form a conspicuous part of a Joint 
Stock Company, to encourage the native growth, can scarcely be 
doubted ; because they now import flax to the amount of five or six 
millions a year ; and are compelled to pay the exorbitant duty of forty 
and sixty per cent, to foreign states, before they will re-admit it in the 
shape of yarn and linen. 

It is worthy of observation, that the Messrs. Marshall of Leeds have, 



VALUE OF FLAX. 



343 



near Antwerp, a large establishment for the preparation of flax, such 
as, if formed in every county of England, would at once ensure to the 
growers a ready market for their crops. Also, it ought to be remem- 
bered, that the above gentlemen were the earliest instigators to perse- 
verance in our present undertakings, holding themselves in readiness 
to assist as circumstances may require. Other eminent spinners and 
flax-agents in London, Liverpool, Belfast, &c., are watching our move- 
ments with a view to further our cause, 

Mr. Demann, from Belgium, is extensively engaged in purchasing 
flax, and in preparing it with Belgian and English hands, at North 
Walsham. Through this means many youths have been, and are still 
being taught the art of hand-scutching. Mr. Brown, of Trimingham, 
and Mr. Harlee Play ford, of North Repps, purchased several acres, and 
rivalled the Belgians themselves in the various arts of preparation. Mr. 
Farrow also, in conjunction with the Ipswich Branch, is working out 
a few acres by way of experiment, whose flax, under the superior hand- 
ling of Monsieur Francis, merits the highest commendation. 

Value of the Fibre. 

Your Committee regret that they cannot at present offer any defi- 
nite accounts of net profit upon this part of the crop, except that pub- 
lished by the Hon. W. R. Rous, who obtained a profit of 9Z. 4*. clear 
of all expenses from an acre of land, exclusive of the seed. Mr. De- 
mann avoids all disclosures of profit, and the gentlemen above referred 
to have as yet effected no sales of importance. But the statements re- 
lative to the flax crops in general may be considered highly satisfactory. 
Mr. Warnes has sold no flax at a less rate than 44Z. per ton. At this 
price he has enabled certain twine-spinners, in the neighbourhood of 
Cromer and Lowestoft, to compete successfully with foreign hemp for 
the manufacture of fishing-nets. In one particular instance, a sinking 
trade has not only been revived, but enlarged beyond its original ex- 
tent, on account of the superiority of the flax twine, samples of which, 
with others of hemp, are now submitted to public inspection. Many 
thousand tons of hemp are annually consumed upon the coast, which, 
if superseded by native flax, a door would be opened to a new and lu- 
crative branch of business. Mr. Warnes is sanguine upon this point, 
because he considers that an acre of good land will produce fifty stone 
of this description of flax upon the average of years, and twenty-two 
bushels of linseed ; realizing, at 6s. 6d. per stone for the flax, and 6s. 3d. 
per bushel for the seed, 201., or, after deducting all expenses, from 7/. 
to 10/. 

Mr. Barcham, of Antingham, had two tons fifteen cwt. of stalks, and 
twenty-two bushels of fine sowing seed, from an acre of land. The 



344 



APPENDIX. 



former he sold at 3/. per ton, and part of the latter at 7*. 6d. per bushel, 
amounting altogether to above 15/., the common expenses of harvesting 
the crop and threshing out the seed being only incurred. A long list 
of similar cases might be added, did space permit. 

Value of the Seed. 

Under this head it is impossible to offer an adequate estimate, because 
every account that has yet reached your Committee has invariably 
proved that linseed, formed into compounds, according to Mr. Warnes's 
system, surpasses every other for fattening cattle. The following extract, 
taken from the Norfolk papers, shows that the greatest pains have been 
- taken to test the merits of native against foreign produce : — 

" The North Walsham Farmers* Club offered, by a challenge through 
the Norwich and London Papers, to test the merits of the compound 
with oil-cake, which challenge not being accepted, Mr. Postle of 
Small burgh determined to try the experiment upon his own premises. 
Twelve bullocks being selected, and divided into two lots by competent 
judges, were weighed and placed in separate yards ; one lot to be fed 
on native produce at a fixed amount per week, and the other on foreign 
oil-cake at the same cost. Each lot to be allowed as many turnips, 
previously weighed, as they could eat per day, in order that the most 
accurate account, both of quantity and cost for food consumed, might 
be kept. 

During the course of the experiment, every facility was afforded 
the public to inspect the cattle and the new mode of grazing. In due 
time Mr. Postle advertised the day on which his bullocks were to be 
shown and weighed at Norwich. Numbers from distant parts came to 
see them, and, in order to arrive at the most correct conclusion, he sold 
all the twelve to one butcher. 

" When first selected, the six beasts fed on compound weighed 602 
stone, and those on oil-cake 590 stone. When fat, the live weight of 
the former was 725 stone ; of the latter, 705 stone, being a difference 
of 8 stone (the 12 stone over- weight at the first being deducted) in 
favour of those fed on compound. But it was in the dead weight of 
each lot that the greatest difference was shown — the compound-fed 
yielding 44 stone 9 lbs. of meat more than those fed on oil-cake ; but 
taking the loose fat and hides, the difference in favour of the former 
was 50 stone 6 lbs. ; or 38 stone 6 lbs., deducting the 12 stone original 
extra live weight. While there is this increase of meat, there is a con- 
siderable decrease of expense between those fed on home produce and 
those fed on foreign oil-cake. The former consumed a smaller quantity 
of turnips than the latter ; and the cost of the compound was only 
19/. Qs. \^d,, whilst that of the oil-cake was 21/. 145. 9d. 



THE society's WANT OF FUNDS. 



345 



" The public are much indebted to Mr. Postle for the great care 
with which this experiment has been carried through, and for the 
pains taken to procure an accurate and satisfactory statement of the 
result." 

From the above experiment some idea may be formed of the direct 
advantages to be derived from the use of linseed. But no calcula- 
tion can be made of the indirect advantages arising from fattening 
cattle upon native produce, nor from the diffusion of manure thus ob- 
tained, as every description of farm produce yields a heavier crop where 
manure from compound-fed cattle has been applied. 

Finances. 

The want of funds may be considered the only real cause of com- 
plaint ; for, while the advancement in every other department has ex- 
'ceeded the anticipations of the most sanguine advocates, and astonished 
every attentive observer, the subscriptions have not been adequate to 
the expenditure of the year. The usefulness of the Society has, con- 
sequently, been greatly retarded. Much of the present and past years' 
crops of flg-x could not be prepared for the want of proper local es- 
tablishments and instructors, and thus many hundreds of the poor were 
prevented from earning wages through that source of employment. For 
the correctness of this statement, your Committee need only refer to 
the present holders of flax, and to the numbers of persons employed in 
those parishes where the preparation of the fibre has been carried on. 
That a cause so truly patriotic should languish for want of funds, be 
subjected to cold neglect, and inconsiderate opposition, is deeply to be 
regretted ; a cause that involves employment for the redundant popula- 
tion, and a remedy for the distresses of the people. At a time, too, 
when the unemployed poor are reduced to a state of wretchedness un- 
paralleled in the history of this country ; to alleviate which, expres- 
sions of the deepest anxiety pervade not only the Councils of the State, 
but the discussions of Agricultural Meetings from one end of the king- 
dom to the other. The legislature avow their inability to meet the 
difficulty; and every proposition to remove the prevailing distress, 
though emanating from the most influential and talented quarters, 
proves ineffectual. 

Conclusion. 

From the abundant materials placed before him, your Secretary 
drew up this report. It is submitted to the ordeal of the strictest 
scrutiny. The inquirer will discover that every attempt at exaggera- 
tion has been carefully avoided, and that many corroborative instances 
might have been added. 

But, if the linseed and flax exhibited at the present meeting, with 



346 



APPENDIX. 



cattle fattened upon native produce, fail to convince, then your Com- 
mittee must observe, that proofs however clear, and arguments how- 
ever forcible, would be unavailing. But they anticipate a happier 
result, because it is impossible for the Christian observer not to per- 
ceive that the hand of Providence has opened the doors of maintenance 
through the introduction of the flax crop. Upon us devolves the duty 
of rendering that crop subservient to the claims of the labouring classes ; 
and in proportion as that duty is performed, so will be the benefits 
derived. The sums required are extremely small compared to the 
magnitude of the undertaking. A mere per centage on the money 
annually raised for foreign charities, would suffice to find employment 
for thousands of our countrymen, and to secure to the cottager that 
peace and independence which can alone be obtained through constant 
work at adequate wages. 

John Warnes, Jun., Hon. Sec. 
Triminghamy Norfolk, December, 1844. 



Models of the machines, implements, and cattle-boxes represented 
by engravings in this volume may be inspected at Mr. Jabez Hare's 
Museum of Model Agricultural Machines, &c., 108, Fleet Street, 
London. 

Mr. Hare is the celebrated engineering and perspective draughtsman 
and engraver on wood. His establishment, therefore, when complete, 
cannot fail of being an object of attraction to the inquirer, particularly 
as the prices of various agricultural machines and implements will be 
given, and orders executed. 



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The above plates, with the exception of the Beetle (see page 122), represent the 
implements employed in the preparation of flax by hand. 

They are all extremely simple, and may be had of Mr. Dyball at North 
Walsham, maker of the Hay-cutting Machine (see drawing in this volume), for 
about Fifty Shillings. 




- . _ . HA P 

LINSEED-CRUSHER, IPSWICH, SUFFOLK. 



As the reducing of linseed into fine meal for the cattle-compound is indispensable, 
I strongly recommend Messrs. Harwood and Turner's Crusher. It is the most 
effective, and, at the same time, most easy machine for manual labour that has come 
under my observation. 



( 347 ) 



A REMEDY FOR THE DISTRESSES OF THE CITY OF 
NORWICH. ADDRESSED TO THE INHABITANTS. 



In offering this tract for your serious consideration, I avoid addressing 
any particular party ; because the interests of every class of the com- 
munity are involved in the subject of which it treats. 

The affecting recitals of the deplorable state of your poor, at the 
recent meeting in the Guildhall ; — the acknowledgment that no effec- 
tual relief could be afforded except by the introduction of new sources 
of employment ; — the earnest expression of a hope that some remedial 
measures would be adopted ; — the assurances of zealous co-operation in 
the establishment of nev^^ branches of business ; — and my own persuasion 
that the Linen Trade, with its numerous ramifications, would meet 
every difficulty ; impel me no longer to defer the renewal of the propo- 
sitions contained in my Letter addressed* to the Citizens of Norwich 
fifteen months ago. I annex that letter, because the opinions I then 
formed have undergone no change ; and because careful investigation 
has only confirmed the soundness of the arguments therein contained. 

In addition to my former suggestions, I now propose the erection of 
a Flax-spinning Mill that would employ many hundreds of persons of 
all ages, and thus render success doubly sure. 

By those who have never bestowed five minutes' consideration upon 
the subject, my plans may be pronounced presumptuous and chimerical. 
But it ought to be remembered, that they emanate from five years of 
practical research, of which the two last had especial reference to the 
peculiar circumstances of Norwich. Opportunities have long been 
afforded me of acquiring information as to the real condition of the 
unfortunate operatives. But I refrain from particularizing cases of 
distress as incentives to effort ; experience having proved that such 
recitals, oft repeated, harden rather than soften the heart. 

The public papers have exposed the horrors consequent upon the 
want of employment and of adequate wages, in terms too authentic to 
be disputed, and in colours too vivid to be forgotten. To the speeches 
of the mayor and other gentlemen at the late meeting, and to the state- 
ments of Mr. Johnson in particular, I refer as proofs; 1st, that Nor- 
^vich has been for years, and is now, in a worse state than any other 
manufacturing town in England : and 2ndly, as overtures, though 
indirect, to submit the merits of my proposed remedy to the ordeal of 
a searching inquiry — an inquiry, which I claim upon the grounds of 

* See No. VII. page 181. 



348 



APPENDIX. 



the philanthropic professions made upon that occasion ; and also, upon 
those fundamental principles of Christianity which enjoin the duty of 
bearing, of hoping, and of believing all things. 

The deepest anxiety to ameliorate the condition of their suffering 
neighbours, is also expressed by every class of society in the cit3^ 
Private assemblies and public congregations have long invoked the aid 
of the Deity, and all parties seem disposed to merge their differences 
in one common effort to emancipate the operatives from their present 
degraded state. But how to obtain this desideratum remains a problem 
that the most ardent inquirer has failed to solve. 

Consider, therefore, dispassionately, whether the Linen Trade is not 
the answer, vouchsafed by Providence, to many prayers ? 

To your hope and charity add faith ; and be not like the disciples 
of our Lord, who, while engaged in fervent supplications for the deli- 
verance of Peter, charged with madness the messenger who conveyed 
the happy tidings of his safe arrival ! 

550 lbs. of dressed flax will produce 16,500 hanks of yarn, or 210 
webs of cambric pocket handkerchiefs, each web containing 5 dozen, at 
21. lOs. per doz. ; employing for about 12 months 158 female spinners, 
40 hem-stitchers or veiners, and 18 weavers, whose wages at the pre- 
sent time in Ireland amount to 2195/., while the cost for the raw 
material is only 75/., leaving a balance of 354/. in favour of the manu- 
facturer, and affording a larger amount of wages, and of profit from so 
small an outlay, than can be derived from any other source ; therefore, 
those hopes, so admirably expressed by Mr. Towler, are easy of realiz- 
ation, and centre in the manufacture of linen : "A trade not of a 
fleeting character," but permanent as time itself, and one in which the 
principal " part of tlie production is the labour of men." Can any 
thing be more congenial to the wishes of that gentleman, than the intro- 
duction of this prolific branch of business? or to those enlarged and 
generous views of Mr. Gurney, who observed, that " he would do any 
thing in his power to introduce the manufacture of new fabrics into the 
city, and to promote enterprise, and the application of capital to the 
legitimate employment of the inhabitants." 

The manufacture of linen is attended by more than twenty sources 
of employment for the human hand, independent of field labour. " The 
Mule and Iron Man " cannot in this, as in cotton manufactures, dis- 
place the hand-loom weaver. The services of both youth and age are 
appreciated ; and the ingenious find ample scope for the exercise of their 
skill, in the varied departments of the Heckling-rooms and Spinning- 
mill — the Storehouses and Factory — the Boiling-house and Bleaching- 
grounds — until the Lapper decorates his web with golden leaf. This 
last operation gives the finishing stroke to that new and permanent 
branch of business, which, if once introduced, would, I repeat, find 



HOW TO ESTABLISH THE LINEN TRADE. 



349 



eiTiployment for your redundant population, profitable investment for 
capital, and be the means of renovating trade, and of restoring pros- 
perity to the city. 

That individual wealth and enterprise could accomplish this vast 
good I have no doubt, because many opulent and indefatigable manu- 
facturers of the North employ, it is said, more hands than could be 
obtained at the Norwich labour-market — the market to which your own 
manufacturers resort, and by which they regulate the rate of wages. 
This Mr. Willet clearly and candidly explained. " The first thing," 
he observed, " was to have all the people employed, and the natural 
consequence would follow of a higher rate of wages ; but if there were 
more operatives than were required, wages would fall." 

It is evident that the present depressed state of Norwich is mainly 
attributable to the low rate at which the working classes are paid. It 
is also evident that, until the labour-market is cleared of surplus hands, 
it will be impossible to remedy the evil. Therefore, it becomes the 
duty, as well as the interest of every inhabitant, to find employment for 
the redundant population. 

But, as it cannot be expected that any individual of sufficient wealth, 
zeal, and devotion, would embark in such an undertaking, I propose, 
as the only alternative, that a Linen Company, embracing the spinning, 
weaving, and bleaching departments of the trade, be formed, and sup- 
ported for three or four years by the voluntary contributions of a 
philanthropic public. The Company to erect the Spinning-mills, Boil- 
ing-house, Machinery, &c., &c., and find capital for purchasing Stock, 
payment of Wages, &c. The voluntary fund to be appropriated to 
the defrayment of all expenses consequent upon instruction, altering of 
hand-looms, inexperience, &c. &c. 

Thus protected from loss through incidental expenses, monied parties 
would come forward, and the Linen Trade be established ; or some 
opulent spinner might be induced by a guarantee of five hundred a-year 
for four years, to open a branch to his business in the city, and thus 
by the payment of only one shilling each from the 10,000 rate-payers 
originally assessed, the Norwich operatives may be emancipated from 
their worse than Egyptian bondage. 

Were I able to state the amount of money required, either to support 
or to conduct the various branches in question, it would, at present, be 
unnecessary ; but my desire is to induce, through the medium of this 
Tract, a searching inquiry, from which, I am confident, the happiest 
results would flow. 

I will, however, observe, that the number of surplus hands is by no 
means so great as imagination depicts ; that the sums required to em- 
ploy them, in the way proposed, are comparatively trifling ; that there 



350 



APPENniX, 



are no real obstacles ; and that nothing is wanted to ensure success but 
unity, upon the ground of our common Christianity. 

The performance of an imperative duty would preclude regret even 
in the case of failure ; but it is impossible that profit should not be 
obtained ; for employment lessens rates, and increases the value of every 
description of property. Therefore, the introduction of the Linen 
Trade into Norwich would be profitable to the people, by providing 
them with work at adequate wages ; profitable to the householder, by 
reducing poor rates ; and profitable to the tradesman, by the increased 
consumption of all the common necessaries of life. 

For the Butcher, the Baker, and the Grocer, the Draper, the Shoe- 
maker, and the Tailor, would all experience an increase of custom, 
with a decrease of rates ; while the value of real property would be 
proportionably advanced. So indisputable is the fact, that inadequate 
wages lower profits, create expenses, and inflict upon trade a double 
blow. Nor ought the minor craftsmen, who depend solely upon the 
operatives, to be forgotten, as the following case demonstrates: About 
fifteen months ago, one of the weavers sent to Trimingham to learn 
the art of flax-dressing, had nine children. His eldest daughter was 
married to a Tailor, and one of his sons was a Shoemaker, both of 
whom were in danger of becoming parish charges, on account of the 
inability of the operatives to purchase either shoes or clothes. Simi- 
larly circumstanced are all small tradesmen whose subsistence depends 
upon the working classes. Hence it will be seen that when the opera- 
tives are in adversity, all the dependent branches of trade suflfer with 
them. These are innumerable ; therefore, I repeat, it ought to be our 
care to support the main stem, which is the operative, and then we may 
be sure that all the depending branches will flourish with it. Many 
of your once prosperous population are living upon a scanty supply of 
provisions, and therefore consume but little farm produce. Could 
their circumstances be reversed, Norfolk would derive proportionable 
advantages ; and any plans adopted for the benefit of Norwich, the 
Landowners and Agriculturists would doubtless consider it their in- 
terest and duty to support. 

In conclusion, I cannot avoid expressing my belief, that this tract 
will be perused with attention ; and that those, at least, who have the 
-welfare of the city at heart, will not be slow to institute an inquiry into 
the soundness of my propositions, nor in adopting vigorous measures 
for carrying them out. 

I hope that none will be turned aside from the performance of this 
good work, either on account of their want of information upon the 
subject, or through the suggestions of parties interested in prolonging 
the depression of the labour-market. A little help is worth more than 
a world of pity. Remember also that the way of Providence has ever 



EXERTIONS OF MR. GURNEY. 



351 



been to produce the greatest results from the smallest beginnings; 
and that He chooses, as his instruments, " The weak things of the 
world," to bring about his great designs ; in order that " The excel- 
lency of the power might be of God and not of Man." 

I have the honour to remain, 

Your obedient and faithful Servant, 

John Warnes, Juh. 

Trimingham, April 5th, 1845. 



NOTE. 



A THOUSAND copies of this tract were circulated, principally amongst 
the most influential parties in the city. 

Soon after, a deputation was sent by Joseph John Gurney, Esq., of 
Earlham Hall, to Leeds, for the purpose of collecting information on 
the subject ; and several new and expensive looms, with other machinery, 
were in consequence erected. 

Thus, at the sole expense of the above-named gentleman, the linen 
trade was introduced into Norwich. But, through the apathy of those 
intrusted with the management of the business, success is for the pre- 
sent retarded. 

I inspected this incipient establishment myself, and am convinced 
that nothing is required but a zealous and patriotic co-operation to 
ensure the realization of the benefits comprised in Mr. Gurney's 
philanthropic design. 

But the hopes that I had ventured to cherish through this gentle- 
man's assistance and influence, are now for ever destroyed, as the 
following brief extracts from the record of his death, by the Editor of 
the Norfolk Chronicle, too truly depict : — 

" Mr. Gurney died on Monday, the 4th of January, 1847, at the age 
of 59. This melancholy event invested the city of Norwich with the 
outward signs of universal mourning — a mark of public sympathy and 
sorrow, unprecedented with regard to this or perhaps to any other 
populous place. Such are the inscrutable dispensations of Providence, 
that an eminently gifted and good man is snatched away from amongst 
us at a moment than at which the benign influence of his character 
was never more urgently needed, nor ever with more efficient useful- 



352 



APPENDIX. 



ness displayed to the very last. In this deeply lamented gentleman, 
descended from a distinguished family, Norwich has lost an illustrious 
citizen— society a bright and sterling ornament — philanthropy a pure, 
disinterested, and able advocate — charity a munificent and never-failing 
supporter — Religion a devout adherent. In conversation, in writing, 
in public speaking, Mr. Gurney was interestingly instructive. Dedi- 
cating the powerful energies of a highly cultivated mind, and the 
possession of wealth, to those generous purposes for which talents and 
riches are bestowed, his life was a continued and successful effort to 
glorify and to imitate that great and Divine Exemplar, who on earth 
' went about doing good,' for ^ when the ear heard him, then it 
blessed him, and when the eye saw him it gave witness to him ; because 
he delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had 
none to help him.' 

"The death of Mr. Joseph John Gurney constitutes a calamitous 
bereavement to multitudes of his fellow-creatures, by whom he was 
held in unfeigned respect, without distinction of rank, party, or per- 
suasion. 

" There was scarcely a philanthropic measure started during the life 
of Joseph John Gurney, of which he was not an active promoter. 
It is impossible to enumerate all the charities he assisted in founding ; 
nor was it merely the sums he contributed — but his counsel and his 
example promoted their interests even more than money. And though 
now removed from this worldly scene of his noble exertions to an 
' inheritance that fadeth not away,' yet the homage done to his virtues, 
and the grateful veneration associated with his name, shall survive to a 
distant posterity. So surely 

'* The memory of the just 
Blooms o'er the grave, and blossoms in the dust." 



( 353 ) V 



FLAX SPINNERS AND AGENTS OF ENGLAND. ^ 



Leeds. 
1. Messrs. Marsballs 



Z. 


It 


Benyon & Co. 


Q 
O, 




Hives & Atkinson 


A 

4. 




Hargrave, Brothers, 




& Co. 


n 
O. 


55 


E. & J. Tatham 


a 
\j . 


55 


McCrea & Marshall 


7. 


55 


Wilkinsons 


8. 


55 


Holeworths 


9. 


»5 


Titley, Tatham, & 




Walker 


10. 


55 


Brown & Co. 


IL 


55 


Boyle & Gill 


12. 


55 

Sons 


Mark Walker & 


13. 


55 


John Margitt 


14. 


55 


Wm. Hill & Co. 


15. 


» 


Wm. Hill & Co. 


16. 


55 


Alfred Cannon & Co, 


17. 


55 


Sale, Cannon, & Co. 


18. 


Mr. Peter Fairbairn, Ma- 



chine-maker 



Messrs. J. & G. Metcalf, Pately 
Bridge 



Manchester. 

1. Mr. John Brooks 

2. Messrs. Wm. Renshaw & Co. 



Manchester — continued. 

3. Messrs. Kays & Sons 

4. „ Higginson, Machine- 
makers 

Preston. 

1. Messrs. Paley & Sons 

2. „ Nevvham & Co. ' 

3. „ Dewhurst & Co. 

4. Spicer, Buxton, & 
Co. 

5. „ German, Petty, & Co. 

6. „ Hinckman & Furness 

Kirkman. 
Messrs. Bailey & Sons 

Bentham. 
Messrs. Hornby & Roughsedge 

Liverpool. 

1. Mr. Wm. Winn 

2. Messrs. Horner & Bell 

3. „ Fletcher & Co. 

4. Hugh & Joseph 
Hornby 

Whitehaven. 
Messrs. Joseph Bell & Co. 

Wig an. 
Messrs. Rylands & Sons 

Yealand- Burton. 
Messrs. Waithman & Co. 

2 A 



( 354 ) 



IRISH FLAX AND TOW SPINNERS. 



Andrew Mulholland and Son 

S. K. Mulholland and Hinds 

John Murphy and Co. 

James Bromer and Co. 

Forsythe and Orr 

W. J. Moore 

Hull, Wilson, and Co. 

James Montgomery and Son 

Stewart and McClelland 

*Thomas Churnside and Co. 

Robert Thompson and Co. 

Daniel McCarty 

William Mulholland 

Falls, Mill, and Co. 

John Boyd and Co. 

A. W. Craig 

John Fisher and Co. 

J. and J. Herdman and Co. 

James Kennedy and Son 

Robert McKibbin 

* William Ewart and Son 

*Robert Gunning and Co. 

James Murray 

Daniel Morgan 

Whitehouse. 

James Grimshaw and Son 
- Balls and Calvert 
Monkstown Spinning Co. 
Edmund Grimshaw 

Whiteabbey. 
William Cowan and Co. 

Carrickfergus. 
R, and A. Gamble 



Belfast. 

William Walker 
Wood and Dobson 
James Patterson 

Broughshane. 
A. and J. Davison 

Ballymoney. 
C. and G. Allen 

Ballyclare. 
Lyle and Little 

Doagh. 

James Swan 

Kluckamore, 
Robert Wallace 

Ballymena. 
John Young and Co. 

Londonderry. 

John Munn, Junior 
John Leathen 

Buncrana. 
Samuel Alexander 

Strabane. 

Herdmans and Co. 

JDungannon. 
J. McClelland 

Kendy. 

I James Green and Co. 



Newry. 

J. N. Richardson, Sons, and Ovv- 
den 

William Hudson 

JBanhridge, 

Samuel Law 
F. W. Hayes 

Gilford. 
Dunbar, McMaster, and Co. 

Castlewellan. 
James Murland 

Killileugh. 
John Martin, Jun. 

Dunmurry, 
*Hunter and Moate 

Portadown. 
*John Cuppage and Co. 



Dix. 355 

Lishurn. 

Stewart and Savage 
Samuel Richardson and Co. 

Cookstown. 

Adair Gunning and Co. 
Glasgow and Wood 

Celbridge, 

Shaw and Houghton 
Joseph Shaw 

Chapelizod, 

Thomas Crosthwait and Sons 

Drogheda. 

Caity, Cairnes, Rogers, and Co. 
Mall, Mill, and Co. 
Gradnell, Chasvvick, and Co. 

Navan. 
Francis Blundell 

Randalstown. 
Patrick Macaulay 



FLAX MERCHANTS AND AGENTS. 



Belfast, 

Richardson, Brothers, and Co. 

John Preston and Co. 

Henry Campbell 

Josias Cunningham and Co. 

Charles Duffin and Co. 

Edward Shaw and Co. 

J. R. Newsam 

Hunter and McKisack 

Joseph Lowry 

John Hunter, Jan., and Co. 



Londonderry. 

Patrick Gillmour 
Osborne, Allen, and Co. 
J. and J. Cooke 

Armagh. 

H. Dickson 

MarkethilL 
John Hutcheson 

Belfast. 
David Connor 



2 A 2 



I N D 



E X. 



A. 

Acres, number of required to supply the 
home-market with flax, 66, 73, et 
passim 

Agriculture, one of the pillars of na- 
tional prosperity, 15, et passim 

Albert, H. R. H. Prince, resolves to 
cultivate flax, 13; and to adopt the 
Author's system of box-feeding, 301 

Anti-Corn-Law League opposes the 
cultivation of flax, viii. ; struggle of 
with the agriculturists, x. xi. ; the 
Author's controversy with, 235 ; at- 
tacks the promoters of the flax cause, 
283 

Apparatus required for making com- 
pound, 247 
Argyll, agriculture of, 97 

B. 

Baker, Mr., of Acle, premises of, 158 
Barker, James. Esq., important letter 
of, 249 

Barley, possible price of, 36 ; an ingre- 
dient of the compound, 126, et passim ; 
mode of i^reparing for mixing, 135 ; 
value of, 139 ; boiled, 194 

Beetling, 122 

Belfast, meeting of the Irish Flax So- 
ciety at, 23 ; exhibition of flax at, 
and prize, 92 

Belgian government impose an export 
duty on flax, 71 ; contemplate an in- 
creased duty, but abandon the idea, 
131 ; increase the duties on British 
manufactures, 245 

Belgian method of cultivating flax much 
increases its value, 50 ; of retting 
flax, 111; of steeping, 117, 120; of 
pulling and grassing, 119 ; of making 
manure, 140 

Belgian workmen, earnings of one in 
the employ of the Author, 5 ; some 
are engaged by the Irish Flax So- 
ciety, 22 ; willing to re-engage in 
Ireland or England, 32 ; two of them 
engage with the Author, ih., 71 ; from 
the Courtrai district instruct young 
people at Trimingham, 61, 153; su- 
periority of their mode of steeping 
flax, 118; their management of the 
Author's crop, 121 ; care of in sorting 
flax, 231 

Belgium, the country where flax is cul- 



tivated most successfully, 24 ; flax 
called the " Golden Crop" there, 25 ; 
growth of flax in, 35 ; efi'ects of flax 
cultivation in, 65 ; the linen manu- 
facture might be removed from to 
Great Britain, 85 ; fine flax grown in, 
88, 107 ; cost of growing flax in, 110 ; 
soil of, 130 

Bickes, Mr., fatal discovery of, 311 

Bishop of Norwich, speech of, 54 

Blair Warren, Rev. J. C, boxes of, 
144, 256, 330, 337 

Blakely, Rev. E., remarks of, on the 
flax crop, 25 

Blaker, Mr., Essay of, 158 

Boxes of Sir C. Burrell, 125 ; of the 
Rev. J. C. Blair Warren, 144, &c. ; 
of Mr. Partridge and Mr. Whitmore, 
144 ; of Mr. Windham, 190 ; cost of, 
162 ; advantages of generally recog- 
nized, 169 ; description and cost of 
those of the Author, 252, et seq. 

Box-feeding, Sir C. Burrell's experience 
of, 124, et seq. ; progress of the sys- 
tem, 144, 146 ; long partially prac- 
tised, 158 ; profits and advantages of, 
293, et passim ; adopted by Prince 
Albert, 301 ; practised by Mr. Mat- 
thews, 304 

Buccleuch, Duke of, 145 

BuUocks, experiment with, 133; mixing 
compound for, 134 

Burn, Mr., letters of on Home-Coloni- 
tion, 63-65 ; on Population and Emi- 
gration, 268 

Burrell, Sir Charles M., letter of, 124, 
et seq. ; letter to the ' Sussex Herald ' 
143 

Burroughes, William, Esq., 36 

c. 

Cake, double-pressed, absurdity of, 132 
Calves, weight of, 146 ; rearing in sum- 
mer, 192 

Cambric, price of per yard, 83 ; manage- 
ment of the soil for, 93 
Cattle fattened on compound, 27, 61, 

132, 133, 173, 193, 222 
China, agriculture of, 82 
Cobbett, visit of, to Holt, 160 
Cobden, Mr., opposition of to the flax 
cause, 280 ; weapon against free 
trade, 281 ; want of patriotism, 282 ; 
invited to Trimingham, 283 



358 



INDEX. 



Compound, its vast superiority to oil- 
cake, 30, et passim : will increase the 
supply of manure, 35 ; cattle fattened 
on, 132 ; for sheep, 134 ; for bul- 
locks, ib. ; mixing of, 136, 194 ; appa- 
ratus for making, 247 ; how much 
required by each bullock, 266 
Copeman, Mr., address of, 213 
Copyholds, enfranchisement of, 16 
Cotton manufacture, its introduction 
and effects on the agriculturists, 49 ; 
will eventually be superseded by that 
of flax, 279 
Courtrai (see Belgium) 
Crates for steeping flax, 117 

D. 

Daubuz, Mr., 126 

Demann, Mr., his opinion of British 
flax, 46 ; is ready to teach the Eng- 
lish the art of managing the crop, 
49 ; imports linseed, 209 
Dorsetshire gentleman, letter of a, 94 
Druce, Mr., letters of, 7, 8, 299 
Dutch system of managing flax failed 
when tried in Ireland, 102 ; of testing 
watered flax, 105 

E. 

Edmonds, Mr., his letter to the Author, 
109 ; referred to, passim 

Employment of the poor, all classes in- 
terested in, 3 ; necessity for, 16, 68 ; 
want of, a hydra, 20 ; lowers the 
poor rates, 25 ; will be secured by 
the introduction of the flax crop, 33- 
37, 45, 48, 50, 63, 65, 80, 89, 160 ; 
no security to the community with- 
out, 44 ; present scarcity of at Nor- 
wich, 48 ; effects of at Trimingham, 
61 ; amount of from three acres of 
flax, 112 ; sources of, 267; an object 
of Christian duty, 286 

Experiments, the Bishop of Norwich a 
friend to, 54 

F. 

Farmers, averse to trouble, 170; go- 
verned by reason, 171 

Flanders (see Belgium) 

Flax might be easily introduced into 

*■ the routine of farming, 3 ; markets 
open for, in every direction, 3, 39, 
46, 187, 269; price per stone for 
dressing, 5 ; effect of its culture in 
diminishing poor rates, 5, 61 ; bless- 
ings accruing from the culture of, 6 ; 
price obtained by the Author for, 7 ; 
profit on, 8 ; adopted by Prince 
Albert, 13: its growth offers the 
prospect of permanent relief to the 
people, 20; amount of purchased 
abroad, 21, 46 ; employment its cul- 



ture would cause, 21, 25, 33, 37, 45, 
48, 50, 63, 65, 80, 89, 241, 267 ; its 
cultivation long neglected, 22 ; grown 
in Ireland, ih. ; allusions to in the 
Holy Scriptures, 23 ; known to the 
ancient Egyptians, ih. ; introduced 
into Britain by the Eomans, 24, 70 ; 
little affected by differences of soil 
and climate, 24, 114; value of its 
seed, 24 ; a double crop, 24, 32, 35, 
39, 46, 52, 72, 77, 110, 116, 121, 152, 
155, 221, 231, 284; societies for pro- 
moting its grow^th, 22, 35, et passim ; 
introduced into the rotation of crops 
in Belgium, 35 ; its cultivation would 
enhance the price of barley, 36 ; Nor- 
folk peculiarly adapted for its growth, 
39, 45, 276 ; samples of exhibited at 
Norwich, 41 ; a manufactory for 
ought to be established in that city, 
47 ; its growth promoted by the 
legislature in all ages, 49, 70 ; its 
value increased by the Belgian mode 
of management, 50 ; its seed will 
supersede foreign oil-cake, 51 ; may 
be grown on inferior lands, 53, 75, 
79, 95, 277, 291, 307 ; Belgium en- 
riched by its culture, 65 ; number of 
acres required to supply the home- 
market, 66, 73 ; value of in Ireland, 
71 ; the indirect greater than the 
direct advantages attending its 
growth, 73, 152, 166; its importance 
neglected, 74; the flax trade in 
Holland, 76, 77, 88 ; choice of land 
for, 82, 98 ; flax from the Baltic, 83 ; 
not an exhausting crop, 78, 96, 98, 
109, 122, 223, 227, 281, 337 ; manage- 
ment of, 101 ; "wiU fail if sown after 
turnips, 109, 297; retting at Courtrai, 
111; profits from, 113; description 
of the plant, 114 ; steeping and grass- 
ing, 118 ; Mr. Hardy's letters on, 119, 
120; four methods of pulling and 
steeping, 121 ; harvesting of, 151, 
154; our means for the culture of, 
165; manufacture of should be es- 
tablished in Norwich, 183 ; its culture 
will not diminish the growth of 
wheat, 188; profit on an acre, 199; 
price of scutching, 209, et passim ; im- 
measurably superior to Gold of Plea- 
sure, 229, et seq. ; the Anti-Corn-Law 
League on, 234, 280 ; can be grown 
in England to any extent, 279 ; ex- 
tended cultivation absolutely neces- 
sary, 289 ; various facts connected 
with the growth of, 309 

Flax-spinniug school, 285 

Flemish husbandry, outlines of, 129 

Free Trade, 17, et passim 

G. 

Gold of Pleasure, inferiority of, 258 ; 



INDEX. 



359 



controversy respecting, 259, et seq. ; 
letters of Mr. Gwilt on, 321, 325 ; of 
the Author, 322, 327 

Gower, Mr. ; the Author's refutation of 
his letters, 207, et seq. 

Grass, economy of, 140, 146 ; versus tur- 
nips, 167 ; weight of, per acre, 168 ; 

I experiment with, 169 

H. 

Hardy, Mr., two letters from, to Mr. 
Mac Adam, 119, 120 

Hay, impolicy of making much, 169 

Hemp might be grown abundantly in 
the West of England, 94 ; will flou- 
rish on poor soils, 95 ; a profitable 
crop, passim; not an impoverishing 
one, 97, et passim ; preparation of soil 
for, 332 ; heckling, 334 

Henderson, Mr., his mode of managing 
flax, 101 

Hindoos, the, cultivate flax merely for 
the seed, 116; have fattened cattle 
with linseed for 1500 years, 158 

Holland, the flax crop in, 76, et passim 

Homespun, Samuel, letter of, 81 

Horses fed on linseed, 169 

I. 

Implements for dressing flax by hand, 
121, et passim 

Ireland, a society formed in to promote 
growth of flax, 22 ; its correspondence 
with the Norfolk Society, 31 ; flax 
grown on Lord Erne's estates in, 99 ; 
quality of flax'grown there, 107 ; pro- 
duce and value, 112, 113; better 
adapted for flax culture than any 
other nation, 114; flax crop in, 156 ; 
waste lands in, 161 ; flax and tow 
spinners in, 353 ; merchants and 
agents, 354 

L. 

Ladies invited to aid the flax cause, 67 
Lee, M., invents a flax-dressing 

machine, 70 
' Library of Agriculture,' the Author's 

writings embodied in, 1 
Linseed (see Cattle-Compound ; Flax) 
Lucern should be grown on every farm, 

141 

Lynn, prices of Linseed at, 209 
Lys, a river celebrated for steeping 
flax, 117, 119, 120 

M. 

Machinery requisite for working flax, 

339, et seq. 
Manure, importation of, 19, 30; how 

to increase, 35 ; will be supplied 

cheaply by the flax-crop, 50, 52, et 

passim 



Marshall and Co., Messrs., amount of 
flax imported by, 66 ; letter of, 107 ; 
second letter of, 110; conference 
with, and recommendation of, 153 

Meat will be brought within the reach 
of the poorer classes by the introduc- 
tion of the flax-crop, 52, 189, 238 

Mould for making compound cakes, 135 

Mousehold heath, 185 

Mulholland, Mr., a flax -spinner of Bel- 
fast, 23, 240 

N. 

National Flax Association, advantages 
of, 3 ; established at Ipswich, 66 ; 
first Report of, 335 

Norfolk, agriculture of, 11, 246, et 
passim ; peculiarly adapted for the 
growth of flax, 39, 45, 276 ; use of 
linseed in, 143 ; turnip crop in, 167 ; 
profits of farming in, 212 ; agricul- 
tural report, 220 ; farms of, 276 

Netherlands (see Belgium ; Holland) 

Nicholls, Mr., the Poor Law Com- 
missioner, visit of, to the Author's 
flax establishment, 5 ; his work, ' The 
Farmer,' 313 

Norfor, Mr., advocates the flax-cause, 
53 

North Walsham Farmers' Club, report 
of, 26, 172 

Norwich, a retail shop, 182 ; operatives, 
fate of, ih. • skill of, 183 ; linen trade 
for, ib. ; remedy for its distress, 347 

o. 

Oil-cake, importation of, 19, 27, 30, 
131 ; its inferiority to the Author's 
compound, 43, 73, 123, 124, 137, 
178 ; price of, 62 ; mixed with rub- 
bish, 124; consumption of in Eng- 
land, 138 

Operatives, sufferings of, 17 ; their 
prosperity delusive, ih. ; at Norwich, 
183 

P. 

Parliament, inability of to provide a 

remedy for the national distress, 45 
Partridge, H.C., Esq., speeches of, 34, 52 
Partridge, H. S., Esq., boxes of, 144 
Peas, boiled, 251 ; sowing of, 203 
Peel, Sir Robert, letter of, to Mr. Mac 

Adam, 314 
Perth, agriculture of, 85 
Pierce, Mr., recommends the cultivation 

of flax, 33 
Playfair, Dr., theory of, 195 
Polish peasantry, condition of, 69 
Poor-rates almost nominal at Triming- 
ham, xii., 5, 61 ; would be univer- 
sally extinguished by the cultivation 
of waste lands, 64 ; and by the in- 
troduction of the flax-crop, passim 



360 



INDEX. 



Postle, Mr., expei-iments of, 173, &c. ; 
334 

Power Loom, not adapted for linen, 279 

Pulling, 154 (see Flax) 

Profits of growing flax, 112 ; of sum- 
mer equal to winter grazing, 168 ; 
derived from meat and corn, 152 ; 
overcome all things, 175 ; unex- 
ampled, from fat cattle, 193 ; realized, 
307, 308 

R. 

Rammer, plate of, 130; description 

of, 144 
Retting flax, 116, et passim 
Richardson, Mr., reply to, 170, et seq. 
Richmond, the Duke of, 246 
Ripening, 103 
Rippling, 121, &c. 

Robertson, Dr., on the Agriculture of 
Perthshire, 85 

Romans, flax first introduced into Eng- 
land by the, 24, 70 

Ross, — Esq., M.P., remarks of, on 
the flax crop, 25 

Rous, the Hon, W. R., becomes pre- 
sident of the Society for Promoting 
the GroM-th of Flax, 37 ; his letter to 
the NobiUty, &c. of Norfolk, 38-40 ; 
his speech at the first meeting of the 
society, 42 ; thanked by the Bishop 
on behalf of the meeting, 55 ; his 
hesitation, ib. ; panic-stricken, 56 ; 
his letter to the Author, and reply, 
57-59 ; his letter to the ' Norwich 
Mercury,' 199; the Author defends 
the flax-cause against, 216, et seq. 

Russell, Lord John, 241 

Russia, our trade with, 49 

s. 

Salter, Mr., notes of, 137 

Scutching flax, 106, et passim 

Sheep, how to mix compound for, 134; 

feeding with linseed, 145 ; with peas, 

251 

Shomberg, H. C, Esq., 4 
Skinner, Capt., speech of, 99 
Smith, Mr., 124, &c. 
*Smyth, Dr., on the Agriculture of 

Argyll, 97 
Somerville, Mr., letter of, 74 
Stanislaus, King of Poland ; his remarks 

on the condition of the people, 69 
Stirrer, plate of, for making compound, 

247 

Stracey, Sir Edward, advocates the flax 
cause, 49 ; adopts the box-feeding 
system, 146 ; his experiments, 158 



T. 

Tandragee, flax-market at, 48 

Taunton, Mr., the Author's controversy 
with, 252, et seq. 

Taylor, Mr., the Author's controversy 
with, 258, et seq. ; some errors pointed 
out in his letters, 323, et seq. 

Trimingham, flax-dressing at, 4, 5 ; 
small sum raised for poor-rates at, xii., 
6 ; soil of, 27 ; a visit to, invited, 60 

Turnips, the country indebted to Nor- 
folk for, 50 ; the sheet-anchor of 
Norfolk farmers, 167 : a necessary 
evil, ib. ; uncertainty of, 224 

Twine, the consumption of in Norwich 
alone, would require a large breadth 
of land to be sown with flax, 46 

V. 

Van Imschoot, Mr., 215 

w. 

Wages earned by those employed in 
flax-dressing, 5 ; of the operative, 
barely sufficient for the necessaries 
of life, 17 ; lo-svness of on the Con- 
tinent, 18 ; when low, an immense 
decay of home-commerce the result, 
19 ; increased, 239 ; of flax-dressers, 
305 

Waste lands, cultivation of, 64, 161, et 

passim 

Wheat crop will not be diminished by 

the gi'owth of flax, 188, et passim 
Welch language, translation of this 

book into, 313 
Whitmore, W. W., Esq., his boxes, 144 
Wilkinson, Rev. W. F., meeting of the 

North Walsham Farmers' Club on 

his grounds, 27 
Wilson, Hon. and Rev, R., advocates 

the flax cause, 51 ; on the committee 

of the Flax Society, 55 
Windham, W. H., Esq., 41 : adopts the 

system of box-feeding, 190 
Wodehouse, E., Esq., M.P., speeches of, 

29, 37, 53 

Wodehouse, Lord, proposes a resolution 
at a meeting of the Flax Society, 50 ; 
adopts the box-feeding system, 146 
Wolstenholme, Mr., his flax crop, 112, 156 
Wyndham, Colonel, adopts the box- 
feeding system, 127 

Y. 

Yarranton, Andrew, on the improve- 
ment of England, 89 
Yellow flax most valuable. 111 
Yorkshire, flax grown in, 33, 107 



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